Bowlby

Question 1

Methodology (Research methods)

Answer 1

1) Case study was utilised

2) Participants were obtained through opportunity sampling at the London Child Guidance Clinic

Question 2

Methodology (Participants)

Answer 2

1) Experimental group consisted of 44 child delinquents who were thieves (31 male, 13 female)
2) They were graded in terms of the seriousness of their stealing (grade IV = stealing for a long time which 22pps had) (Grade I = stole only once which had 4pps)
3) The experimental group was compared to a control group of 44 (34 males, 10 females) who also emotionally disturbed but not thieves
4) The groups were similar in terms of IQ (ranging from 75 - 159) and age (5 - 17 yrs old)

Question 3

Procedures

Answer 3

1) The procedure was to assess each participant across categories; history, personality, stealing and examination
2) Each child was given mental tests conducted by a psychologist to assess their IQ via the Binet scale on arrival to the clinic; their emotional attitudes were also noted
3) A social worker interviewed the child’s mother and recorded preliminary details of the child’s early psychiatric history
4) The psychologist and social worker reported to Bowlby to which they considered possible aetiologies of stealing behaviour, including the influence of the mother-child relationship and the impact of prolonged separation