A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which set of results challenges the generalizations made in psychological studies?

1. Variability in individual responses in Milgram's study

2. Confirmatory bias in observational studies

3. Consistency in behavioral outcomes across cultures

4. Uniform effects of conditioning on behavior

The correct answer is: Variability in individual responses in Milgram's study

The option highlighting variability in individual responses in Milgram's study is significant because it underscores the complexity of human behavior and the fact that not everyone responds to authority in the same way. This variability challenges generalizations made in psychological studies by illustrating that individuals may have different thresholds for obedience and may react differently based on their personality, past experiences, and social context. In Milgram's experiments, for instance, while a majority of participants obeyed the authority figure, a substantial number showed resistance or opted out; this diversity in responses indicates that psychological findings may not universally apply to all individuals or situations. In contrast, other options may suggest different dynamics. Confirmatory bias in observational studies, while crucial for understanding research design, is about how researchers may interpret data in a way that supports existing beliefs rather than focusing on generalizability. Similarly, consistency in behavioral outcomes across cultures suggests uniformity, which would strengthen arguments rather than challenge them. Finally, the uniform effects of conditioning on behavior would advocate for a more deterministic view of behavior, limiting the scope for individual variability. Thus, the choice emphasizing individual response variability offers a clearer critique of overgeneralization in psychological research.