A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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Which methodological strength did Bandura et al (1961) possess regarding causation?

High ecological validity
Manipulation of independent variables
Longitudinal assessment
Use of diverse samples

The correct answer is: Manipulation of independent variables

The methodological strength related to causation in Bandura et al.'s 1961 study is the manipulation of independent variables. This study, known for its investigation into observational learning and aggression, effectively established a cause-and-effect relationship by deliberately altering the independent variable—specifically, the exposure to aggressive or non-aggressive models. By systematically changing the conditions under which the children were observed, the researchers could directly assess how these variations influenced the children's subsequent behavior. This manipulation allows for a clear identification of whether the independent variable (the model's behavior) had a direct impact on the dependent variable (the child's behavior), which is critical in experimental research. Additionally, this methodological approach strengthens the internal validity of the findings, as it reduces the likelihood that other extraneous variables were influencing the outcomes, aligning closely with the principles of experimental design that prioritize causal inference.