cultural variations in attachment

Question 1

what is individualistic culture?

Answer 1

one which emphasises personal independence and achievement at the expense of group goals

Question 2

collectivist culture

Answer 2

one which emphasises family and work goals above individual needs and desires

Question 3

What are cultural variations in attachment?

Answer 3

differences in attachment types across cultures due to child-rearing practices, values and societal norms

Question 4

What was the aim of Van IJzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s study?

Answer 4

to investigate cultural variations in attachment by conducting a meta analysis on 32 studies using Strange Situation

Question 5

What were the key findings of Van IJzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s study?

Answer 5

Secure attachment was the most common type in all cultures.

Western cultures (Germany) had more insecure-avoidant infants.

Collectivist cultures (Japan, Israel) had more insecure-resistant infants.

Question 6

strength- why is Van IJzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s study high in reliability?

Answer 6

used a meta-analysis of 32 studies that all followed the standardised Strange Situation procedure= findings highly reliable as they can be replicated.

Question 7

weakness- Why does the study lack population validity?

Answer 7

meta-analysis over-represents western cultures- 18 from USA, 1 from China= limits generalisability

Question 8

weakness- chance of bias

Answer 8

researcher bias can occur as they could use research that supports their conclusions

Question 9

strength- what was the supporting evidence?

Answer 9

study found secure attachment was the most common type in all cultures= supports Bowlby- attachment is universal and biologically innate. This increases theoretical validity - reinforcing attachment as an evolutionary mechanism.