Attachment Flashcards
Why do we use the observational report technique in attachment
As babies cannot self report
What is the first stage of attachment and what occurs in it
Asocial stage is the first 3 months of a baby’s life. In this stage, babies show no preference for any adult, but show preference for the company of people
What is the second stage of attachment and what occurs in it
Indiscriminate attachment stage is 3 to 7 months. Babies recognise and prefer familiar people. Accept affection from anyone and do not usually show separation anxiety or stranger anxiety
What is the third stage of attachment and what occurs in it
Specific attachment is from 7 months. attachment between PCG has formed. All signs of attachment are observed: Stranger and separation anxiety and clinginess. PCG is the one who offers most interactions
What is the fourth stage of attachment and what occurs in it
Multiple attachment if from 9 months. Shorty after forming an attachment this extends to multiple attachments with others (secondary attachments)
What is an evaluation of Schaffer and Emersons study (+)
One strength of their study is that it was a naturalistic observation meaning most of the observations were made during ordinary activities which provides good external validity and is able to be generalised. This means it is highly likely the participants behaved naturally while being observed.
What is an evaluation of Schaffer and Emersons study (-)
There are issues with asking the mothers to be observers. They were unlikely to be objective observers. They might have been biased in terms of what they noticed or reported, for example they might not have noticed when their baby was showing signs of anxiety. This means that even if babies behaved naturally their behaviour may have not been accurately recorded
What is an evaluation of Schaffer and Emersons study (-)
One limitation of their stages is the validity of the measures they used to assess attachment in the asocial stage. Babies have poor co-ordination and fairly immobile. If babies less than two months felt anxiety they may have displayed it in a way which was quite subtle. This provides difficulty to the mothers to observe and report the behaviour. This means that the babies may actually be quite social but, due to flawed methods, appear to be asocial.
