Attachement AO3 Flashcards
Evaluate Animal studies of attachment
Lorenz - The critical period has been
criticised (Sluckin) kept one duck in
isolation and they still imprinted
Lorenz- imprinting can be reversed
Guiton- yellow washing up gloves
Harlow - highly valued research
Helped understanding of mother-infant
attachment (PA)
Harlow - Ethical issues
Evaluate learning theory of attachment
+ PAs: shows how infants can become
attached to a caregiver and the key role
food plays
- attachments have been formed without
feeding
SCHAFFER AND EMERSON found in 39%
of cases; the primary attachment figure
was not who fed them
- Contradicting Research
Heavily critiqued by Harlow research
Evaluate the monotropic theory for
attachment
+ support for internal working model
Bailey et al assessed 99 mothers.
Found: majority had the same
attachment as their mothers
positive real world PAs
We can see who may have trouble
parenting
- Sensitive rather than critical
HOWEVER : Can argue that Lorenz
supports this
Evaluate Caregiver - infant interactions
of attachment
+ Evans studied reciprocity + synchrony
In 101 infants and their mothers for the
1st year after birth (LAB)
F: babies who were securely attached
gave the most reciprocal interactions
x - cultural variations
LeVine found differences in interactions
in Kenyan mothers who have little
physical contact
Evaluate the stages of attachment theory
(Schaffer’s Lab Study)
+ good external validity
Carried out in family homes and
observations were done by parents
(natural)
x- however can be critiqued for a small
sample
x - cultural variations
Collectivist cultures were everyone is
involved in child care goes against one
specific attachment
Evaluate the role of the father
+ - Fathers support the role of the
mothers
× - women are pre disposed to be more
nurturing due to evolutionary principles
x- children can develop the same as
those with two parents
Evaluate Ainsworths Strange situation
+ reliable measure
- lab study and supported by inter rater
reliability (BICK)
x - lacks eco validity
- it’s an unrealistic situation
X - Culture Bias
- only American families
Evaluate the cultural variations in
attachment
+ large sample
Nearly 2000 mothers and infants were
used
x- Culturally Bias STILL
Most in the sample were American (18
US to 1 In China) and is based on a
British theory
x- problems with the use of this method
It can demonstrate differences but can’t
explain why
Evaluate effects of institutionalisation
+ PAs
x unique sample, not representative
