A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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Prepare for the A Level Psychology Exam with our quiz. Access flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to enhance your study experience and boost your confidence.

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Which specific error was unique to the autism group in Baron-Cohen et al's findings?

Higher emotional identification scores
No errors on control tasks
Significant errors on Happé's strange stories
Lower recognition of emotional faces

The correct answer is: Significant errors on Happé's strange stories

The finding that the autism group made significant errors on Happé's "strange stories" is particularly important as it highlights a key aspect of the cognitive differences associated with autism. The "strange stories" task is designed to assess the ability to understand complex social situations and the mental states of others, which involves theory of mind (the ability to attribute thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and intentions to oneself and others). Individuals with autism often struggle with this kind of perspective-taking, affecting their ability to interpret nuanced social cues or understand the intentions behind others' actions. The significant errors made by the autism group in this study emphasize their unique challenges in social cognition compared to neurotypical individuals and suggest that difficulties in understanding figurative language and social scenarios are a distinct characteristic of autism. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how autism can impact social interactions and communication.