A Level Psychology OCR Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The distinction in research design between the work of Baron-Cohen and Freud is particularly significant when considering their methodologies. Baron-Cohen's studies primarily employed quantitative methods, which involve the collection of numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. This approach allowed for clear comparisons and generalizations about the characteristics of autism and theory of mind, making the findings more objective and replicable.

In contrast, Freud's research often utilized qualitative methods, focusing on detailed, narrative accounts and subjective interpretations of individual experiences. His approach leaned toward in-depth analysis of a single individual's case (such as those seen in his psychoanalytic case studies), making his findings less generalizable due to their reliance on personal narratives and the complexities of psychoanalytic interpretation.

This methodological divergence highlights how Baron-Cohen’s quantitative approach aimed to produce findings that could be measured and widely applied, while Freud’s qualitative approach sought to explore the depth of human behavior and the intricacies of the unconscious through detailed case analysis.