Consider the Following (Fictitious) Conclusion Reached by a Social Psychologist

question 38

Multiple Choice

Consider the following (fictitious) conclusion reached by a social psychologist: "After analyzing a sample of over 578 experiments, we have concluded that the question of whether men are more likely than women to help is difficult to answer. Based on the findings of this large number of studies, we have concluded that men are more likely to help when helping demands physical risk or 'chivalry'; otherwise, there are no reliable gender differences in helping." This conclusion about the reliability of the relationship between gender and helping was most likely based on __________.

• A) pure conjecture
• B) surveys of researchers
• C) meta-analytic techniques
• D) experimental procedures

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Definitions:

Bipolar Constructs

Cognitive frameworks that consist of opposite or polar dimensions used to evaluate and categorize concepts.

Constructs

Cognitive structures or mental models used to process and interpret information.

Construct Systems

Theoretical frameworks used to understand and predict how individuals interpret experiences and phenomena.

Personal Construct Theory

A psychological theory developed by George Kelly, positing that individuals use personal constructs (bipolar dimensions of judgment) to understand and predict the world.