A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What was a strength of Grant et al.'s (1998) experiment?

1. It had a large and diverse sample

2. It produced qualitative data for in-depth analysis

3. It could be easily replicated due to its controlled design

4. It focused solely on memory retention in noisy environments

The correct answer is: It could be easily replicated due to its controlled design

The strength of Grant et al.'s (1998) experiment lies in its controlled design, which allows for easy replication. This aspect is pivotal in psychological research as it enhances the reliability of the findings. By employing a controlled environment and standard procedures, other researchers can replicate the study to verify results or further investigate specific variables. Replicability serves to build a more robust body of evidence in psychological research, reinforcing the validity of the conclusions drawn from the original study. In contrast, the other options introduce various limitations or aspects that do not highlight the same level of methodological rigor. While a diverse sample might enhance generalizability, Grant et al. had a relatively small sample size. Qualitative data would offer rich insights, but the primary focus of Grant et al.'s research was quantitative, emphasizing measurable outcomes related to memory. Finally, while examining noise’s impact on memory is certainly a relevant area, limiting the focus solely to noisy environments does not represent a comprehensive strength of the study in broader research contexts.