A - Schaffer's stages of attachment (AO3)

Question 1

What is a limitation of Schaffer and Emerson’s (1964) study? - Results may have been affected by social desirability bias

Answer 1

===> Some mothers may not have reported accurate details to appear ‘better’ mothers with secure attachments. Social desirability bias would reduce validity of findings. However, always methodological issues when collecting data on infants as researchers are limited to observations and self-reports

Question 2

What is a limitation of Schaffer and Emerson’s (1964) study? - Results lack population validity

Answer 2

===> Sample consisted of only 60 working class Glaswegian mothers and infants - may form very different attachments compared to other populations like middle class or suburban families. May be specific issues associated with social deprivation and city living (poverty, stress and poorer mental health) may mean results are specific to lower socio-economic groups. Can’t confidently generalise results to other populations

Question 3

What is a limitation of Schaffer and Emerson’s (1964) study? - Poor research evidence for asocial stage

Answer 3

===> Assumed babies aren’t sociable and can’t distinguish between humans and non-humans from observed behaviours. Babies too young to ask, don’t have mobility skills to demonstrate through non-verbal communication - may prefer humans but can’t portray this. Evidence is limited for this stage, reducing validity of theory

Question 4

What is a strength of Schaffer and Emerson’s (1964) study? - Useful practical applications

Answer 4

===> If baby in childcare setting, worth considering in asocial and indiscriminate stage, babies can be comforted by any skilled adult. If child starts nursery at older age, such as in the specific stage, they would benefit from a specific worker as they may get distressed with an unfamiliar adult. Findings have practical value in real world and can help with childcare decisions