Perry et al (2015)

oher cvaluation points include the following.

Cample: the sample consisted of only male students.This could make
encralisability dificuliespccially to populations not represented in the
mnle (cg females). Females are known1o be more naturally
oneral. than males so there is n0 way we can conclude that cmpathic, in
oxytocin affects
interpersonal distance (perSonal spacc) in highly empathic females. They could
react differently from males.
Ouantilative data: this allows direct comparisons to be easier across conditions.
Therefore, the percentage distance remaining can be averaged across the four
Ireatments (high empathy - OXylocin; high empathy - placebo; low empathy-
OXYtocin; low empathy - placebo) and compared objectively to see how each is
affected by condition in experiment 1({riend, stranger, etc).
Ethics: participants gave writen and informed consent and when the two
week personal discussion did not happen, the purpose of the study to see how
empathy and oxytocinaffects interpersonal distance (personal spacc) was Challenge yourself
revealed, which is a form of debriefing. However, measurement of invasion of Think of twoother real-life
interpersonal distance (personal space) can be psychologically stressful even on applícations based on the study by
ascreen as the participants had to imagine the invasion and we do not know Perry et al. Make sure that you write
what theywere actually thinking. Also, the two-week period between ending about what the application is and
experiment 2and knowing you are going to have a personal discussion with how it will be achíeved.
someone could also be psychologically stressful.

Issues and debates

The following table discusses Perry et al in terms of the core issues and debates for
AS Level.

Application to The results might be useful in the recruitment of people whose jobs involve being close to other people so they would not mind
everyday life having their interpersonal distance (personal space) invaded. Screening could happen beforehand to see which applicants are
the most empathic and used as part of the selection process. In addition,people who are highly empathic can be encouraged
toeat foods that promote the production of oxytocin (eg avocados or mushrooms) so they feel even less stressed having their
interpersonal distance (personal space) invaded as part of the job.
Individual and Both sides of the argument can be seen in this study. In terms of individual, the participants were placed into two groups: high
situational empathy and low empathy, which can be considered apersonality trait or part of a behavioural repertoire that is individually
explanations based and even affected by hormones (which have different levels in different people). In terms of situational, the process of
having to choose when to stop one of the figures in experiment l or choosing a favourite room layout in experiment 2is driven by
being able to understand the situation that is being presented. The differing figure situations presented in experiment l did cause
differences in the amount of interpersonal distance (personal space) people wanted. The situation was also causing some of the
differences seen between participants.
Nature versus Some people may argue that nature is being supported here to an extent as oxytocin is biological (a hormone) that is natural in
Nurture every human with an intactpituitary gland. However, some people may argue that the study supports nurture as the people were
basing their stop judgements in experiment 1and their favoured room layout in experiment 2on experiences they have had rather
than because of a hormone or being empathic.

The use of Not applicable

children
The use of Not applicable
anímals

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 Conclusion
Perry et al concluded that: ... the enhancement of social cues following oxytocin
administration may have opposite effects on individuals with different empathic
abilities' (2015: 3). That is, people with high empathic abilities tend to have smalle.
Zones of interpersonal distance (personal space), particularly when oxytocin levels
are elevated. In addition, people with low empathic abilities tend to have larger
zones of interpersonal distance (personal space) especially when oxytocin levels
are elevated. Overall, there appears to be some support for the social salience
hypothesis.

Research method (main) Laboratory experiment

Summary
Other technique(s)
Self-report
Sample 54 male participants but only 40 used in main experiments split equally into high empathy and loW
empathy groups
Sampling technique
Experimental design Independent measures (empathy group: high or low) for both experiments
Repeated measures (treatment: oxytocin and placebo; condition: friend, ball, authority, or stranger) for experiment 1
Repeated measures (treatment: oxytocin and placebo; condition: preferred distance between two chairs and between
chair and plant) for experiment 2
IV
Empathy (high or low)
Treatment (oxytocin or placebo)
For experiment 1 condition (friend, ball, authority, or
stranger)
For experiment 2condition (distance between chairs;
distance between chair and plant; angles of chairs; angle of table
to plant)
DV
Experiment 1: preferred distance chosen when figure approached; measured as the
between the two figures percentage distance remaining
Experiment preferred choice of one picture from two picture choices; chair distance in cm;
2:
chair to plant distance in cm
Quantitative data As above

Qualitative data

Evaluation
Evaluation General evaluation
Related to Perry et al
Strength Experiments have high levels of standardisation and Perry et al had a standardised procedure
socan be replicated to test for reliability. choice pictures of rooms in experiment including the forced
2 and the amount or
time allowed to stop the figure
(three seconds). This means anotherapproaching in experiment
researcher could easily
replicate this study to test for reliability.
Strength Experiments have high evels of control so researchers As there were many controls, including
can be more confident it is the IV directly affecting splitting the
the DV.
into high and low
empathy groups and ensuring thatsample au
participants experienced placebo
could be confident that it was the and oxytocin, Perry et al
and oxytocin that was affecting combination of empatyY
(personal space). interpersonal distance
Weakness Withquestionnaires, participants may give socially The completion of the IRI
desirable answers as they want to look good rather have made some before and during the study mig
than giving truthful answers - this lowers the validity participants
wanting to look good rate differently
(and in this case, being based
more empathic)
on
of findings. rather than it being a valid reflection of the
themselves. participants
Weakness If the questionnaire has a lot of closed questions, then The 4-point scale used on the IRI
participants might be forced into choosing an answer truly refected a participant' may not have a choice that
that does not reflect their true opinion.
the statements. This s feelings towards one or more
could lower validityof
findings.
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