18. Bowlby's Theory Of Maternal Deprivation AO3

Question 1

Explain a flaw in Bowlbys own research

Answer 1

Research bias - Bowlby carried out assessments family interviews himself - knowing what he hoped to find - may have produced biased results

Question 2

Name a strength of the theory of maternal deprivation

Answer 2

Animal studies have demonstrated maternal deprivation

Question 3

Outline an animal study that has demonstrated the maternal deprivation theory

Answer 3

Levy et al - showed separating baby rats from mothers for as little as a day had permanent effects on social development

Question 4

What is an issue in using support from animal studies

Answer 4

Always some doubt over extent to which animal studies can be generalised to human behaviour

Question 5

Name a limitation of the theory of maternal deprivation

Answer 5

There is counter evidence

Question 6

Give an example of counter evidence that doesn’t support bowlbys theory

Answer 6

Lewis - partially replicated the 44 thieves study - on a larger scale - looking at 500 young people

Question 7

What did Lewis’ counter evidence find that doesn’t support bowlbys theory

Answer 7

Early prolonged separation did not predict criminality or difficulty forming close relationships

Question 8

Outline why having counter evidence that doesn’t support bowlbys theory is an issue

Answer 8

Suggests other factors may affect outcome of early maternal separation