Cultural Variations Flashcards
1
Q
outline van Ijzendoorn’s research into cultural variations in attachment
A
- they conducted a meta-analysis of the findings from 32 studies of attachment behaviour using the Strange Situation
- 8 countries were included (5 western, 3 non-western), about 2000 infants tested in total
- secure attachment was most common in all countries (lowest in China, highest in the UK)
- insecure-avoidant highest in individualist cultures (especially Germany)
- insecure-resistant highest in collectivist cultures (especially Japan and Israel)
- there was more variation within countries than across countries
2
Q
outline Takahashi’s research
A
- used the Strange Situation to study 60 middle class Japanese infants
- although secure was most common, there were high rates of insecure-resistant (32%)
- infants became quite distressed meaning for many the study had to be terminated
3
Q
explain one strength of research into cultural variations in attachment
A
- van Ijzendoorn and Krnoonenberg carried out a meta-analysis which bought together a large number of studies. The overall sample size was therefore high, with about 2000 infants in total. The larger sample makes it easier to come to generalised conclusions about attachment types, such as the fact that secure is most common within all cultures.
4
Q
explain two weaknesses of research into cultural variations in attachment
A
- Strange Situation is based on Western childcare practises, may not be valid in other cultures
- e.g. in Germany independence is encouraged (makes it unsuitable)
- then in Japan babies rarely experience separation from their caregivers, may pose ethical issues when it causes extreme distress
- suggests using the Strange Situation in some cultures may culturally biased
- uneven sample in the meta-analysis
- limited number of studies in non-western countries (only 5 out of 32)
- makes it harder to make generalisations about attachment types in non-western cultures as they make up such a small part of the sample
