A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Why might observing helping behavior in a major city be significant according to Levine et al?

1. It allows for comparison between different cultures

2. It indicates the presence of universal values

3. It ensures all participants are from the same background

4. It reduces the variability in results

The correct answer is: It allows for comparison between different cultures

Observing helping behavior in a major city is significant because it allows researchers to compare helping behaviors across diverse cultural settings. Levine et al.'s studies often highlight how social and cultural factors influence whether individuals engage in helping behaviors, thereby providing insight into the variability of these behaviors in different contexts. By examining helping behaviors in urban environments with multiple cultural influences, patterns can emerge that reveal how societal norms, values, and the presence of a diverse population may affect whether individuals choose to help others. This comparison can deepen our understanding of the role of cultural context in influencing pro-social behavior. The other choices focus on aspects that do not directly relate to the significance of observing helping behavior in a major city. For instance, while universal values may play a role in some findings, comparing different cultures provides a richer context for understanding helping behavior that goes beyond identifying shared values. Similarly, ensuring participants come from the same background or reducing variability in results does not apply to the broad and diverse nature of major city observations, which inherently include a variety of backgrounds and experiences.