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In social psychology you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Burger (2009) - Reicher and Haslam (2006) - Cohrs et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 4
In social psychology you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Burger (2009) - Reicher and Haslam (2006) - Cohrs et al. (20... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In social psychology you will have learned about one of the following contemporary studies in detail: - Burger (2009) - Reicher and Haslam (2006) - Cohrs et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Burger (2009): Evaluate in terms of reliability
Answer
Burger (2009) used standardized verbal prompts, such as "please continue", for all participants throughout the study. This consistency helps to ensure reliability in the study’s procedure. The same task and setup, including the laboratory environment and equipment used (e.g., shock generator and intercom), were employed in each session. However, while the participants were tested, the level of deception involved might impact how reliably the participants' actions reflect their true obedience levels, raising questions about whether similar results would be obtained in different contexts.
Step 2
Burger (2009): Evaluate in terms of validity
Answer
Burger's study can be critiqued for its ecological validity. The controlled laboratory setting may not represent real-life situations where obedience is tested, limiting the generalization of the findings. While Burger included a diverse participant group of various ages and both genders, the artificial nature of the task makes it questionable whether the participants behaved as they would in a more natural setting. Additionally, the focus on an experimental task involving shocking a learner could lead participants to question the ethical implications, potentially skewing their responses and thereby affecting the internal validity of the study.