A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a pro of the Raine et al. study?

1. Standardised methodology

2. High construct validity

3. Low ecological validity

4. High generalisability

The correct answer is: Low ecological validity

The correct answer is that low ecological validity is not considered a pro of the Raine et al. study. In research, ecological validity refers to how well the findings of a study can be generalized to real-world settings and everyday life. A study with low ecological validity suggests that the conditions under which the experiment was conducted may not accurately represent the complexities of real-life situations, limiting the applicability of its findings outside the controlled environment. On the other hand, the factors that are considered pros of the Raine et al. study include standardised methodology, which ensures that the procedures are consistent and replicable; high construct validity, meaning the study effectively measures the theoretical construct it aims to investigate; and high generalisability, indicating that the results can be applicable to a broader population. These elements contribute to the rigor and credibility of the research, showcasing its strengths rather than weaknesses.