Attachment: Schaffer's Stages

Question 1

What were the aims and procedure of Schaffer and Emerson’s study (1964)

Answer 1

Aims-assess whether there was a pattern of attachment formation common to all
-to identify the stages within the formation

Procedures-longitudinal study of 60 new borns and mums in working class Glasgow
-studied in their home every month for 1 year , then followed up at 18 months
-used observations and interviews
-attachment was measured by separation protest an stranger anxiety

Question 2

What were Schaffer and Emerson’s findings?

make 3 points

Answer 2

-between 6/8 months 50% of babies showed specific attachment to a particular adult , this was 80% after 10 months
-primary atts formed with people who displayed sensitive responsiveness to babies needs
-87% formed 2 atts at 18months and 31% had 5+

Question 3

What did Schaffer and Emerson conclude?

Answer 3

that there was a pattern for attachment formation common to all

suggested process is under biological control

Question 4

What is the asocial stage?

Answer 4

occurs between birth and 3 months

-from 6 weeks infants are more attracted to humans , they prefer them to objects
-they demonstrate this preference by smiling at people

Question 5

What is the indiscriminate attachment stage?

Answer 5

occurs between 3 and 7/8 months

discriminate familiar and unfamiliar people , smile more at known people but allow strangers to look after them

Question 6

What is the discriminate attachment stage?

Answer 6

occurs between 7/8 months onwards

attachment is with a primary attachment figure , distressed when separated , protest when handled by strangers

Question 7

What is the multiple attachment stage?

Answer 7

occurs from 9 months onwards

form attachments with other people

Question 8

What are the strengths ?

There are 2!

Answer 8

+research is done in a natural setting
-usually observed at home so they will act in a natural way so its reflective of their real behaviour , increases the external validity

+stages applied to child care settings
-been identified that having a familiar adult (key worker) is really important
-adds credibility and validity

Question 9

What are the weaknesses?

There are 2!

Answer 9

-research is usually observational
-there may be observer bias as babies cant communicate and mothers might not be objective observers so inferences must be drawn , challenges validity of findings

-lack of empirical evidence for asocial stage
-young babies are immobile and have poor coordination so some behaviours may be hard to read or measure
-the flawed methods for assessing attachment means there is a lack of support