A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which research characteristic confirms the findings of Levine et al.'s study?

1. Consistency across various measures

2. High variability in results

3. Low sample diversity

4. Subjective participant feedback only

The correct answer is: Consistency across various measures

The confirmation of Levine et al.'s findings is strongly supported by the characteristic of consistency across various measures. In psychological research, when results are consistent across different methods or instruments used to collect data, it enhances the reliability and validity of the conclusions drawn. This means that if different measures all lead to similar outcomes, it suggests that the effects being observed are robust and not due to random chance or the idiosyncrasies of a specific measure. In Levine et al.'s study, which focused on helping behavior in different cultures, the consistency observed across measures strengthens the argument that the findings are genuine rather than artifacts of a single measure or sampling method. Consistent outcomes across multiple measures support the generalizability of the findings across various contexts and populations. Variability in results, low sample diversity, and reliance solely on subjective feedback would not serve to confirm these findings. High variability can indicate that the results are not stable or replicable, while low sample diversity could restrict the applicability of the findings to a wider population. Subjective feedback alone, without backing from more objective data, could introduce bias and limit the credibility of the conclusions drawn from the study. Therefore, the characteristic that confirms the findings is fundamentally rooted in the observed consistency across various measures.