A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What stance did Levine et al. take regarding cultural variations in their study?

1. They did not consider cultural factors

2. They employed a cross-cultural approach

3. They exclusively focused on Western cultures

4. They only included urban areas

The correct answer is: They employed a cross-cultural approach

Levine et al. adopted a cross-cultural approach in their study, which is significant for understanding how cultural factors impact social behavior. By examining various cultures, their research sought to highlight the differences and similarities in helping behavior across diverse societies. This approach enables researchers to assess how cultural norms, values, and practices influence individuals' actions in social situations. The inclusion of multiple cultures allows for a broader understanding of psychological principles, illustrating that behavior is not solely influenced by individual characteristics but also by the cultural context in which individuals reside. The other options indicate limitations that are not reflective of Levine et al.'s comprehensive method. The researchers specifically aimed to assess and compare responses across different cultural backgrounds, rather than ignoring cultural factors or limiting the study to only Western cultures or urban environments. Thus, the cross-cultural approach forms a crucial aspect of their findings and interpretations.