A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is a weakness identified in Freud's study?

1. High external validity

2. Low reliability

3. High ethical standards

4. Strong theoretical foundation

The correct answer is: Low reliability

The identification of low reliability as a weakness in Freud's study refers to concerns about the consistency and reproducibility of his findings and interpretations. Freud's work, particularly his case studies, often relied on a subjective approach. The interpretations he made were deeply rooted in his theoretical perspectives, which could lead to different conclusions based on the same data set or case. Because the results of his analyses could vary significantly depending on the individual therapist’s perspective, this lack of standardization raises questions about whether similar results would be obtained in repeated studies or with different therapists. Reliability is essential in psychological research as it ensures that findings can be trusted and replicated across different situations and researchers. Low reliability diminishes the credibility of Freud's conclusions and effectively limits the generalizability of his theories. In contrast, high external validity and strong theoretical foundation would indicate greater strength in research findings, while high ethical standards suggest that the study met necessary ethical guidelines, which does not relate to a weakness in the methodology or findings.