Evaluate the study by Van iJzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988). (8)

Question 1

Their meta-analysis used secondary data from studies into attachment undertaken by other researchers.

Answer 1

Using secondary data means that they cannot be certain that the studies were conducted reliably by the original researchers, so the data they used may be flawed

Question 2

The data source search identified suitable studies using strict criterion, such as excluding samples of children over 2 years old.

Answer 2

Strict criterion increases the reliability of the data sources gathered as they could be sure that the studies were comparable

Question 3

A large sample of 32 studies was used, including 8 different countries which in total involved 1,990 strange situations.

Answer 3

The sample is representative of a large, cross-cultural population which increases the generalisability of the findings.

Question 4

They planned to use Ainsworth et al (1978) as a baseline sample distribution to measure their findings against.

Answer 4

The overall distribution of attachment in the US studies did not match Ainsworth’s suggestions, therefore there was no baseline measure, limiting cross-cultural comparisons.

Question 5

what did their meta-analysis use?

Answer 5

secondary data from studies into attachment undertaken by other researchers

Question 6

what can using secondary data mean ?

Answer 6

that they cannot be certain that the studies were conducted reliably by the original researchers, so the data they used may be flawed.

Question 7

what did the data source search identify?

Answer 7

suitable studies using strict criterion, such as excluding samples of children over 2 years old.

Question 8

how does strict criterion increase reliability of the data sources gathered?

Answer 8

as they could be sure that the studies were comparable

Question 9

what did they plan to use as a baseline sample distribution to measure findings against?

Answer 9

Ainsworth et al (1978)

Question 10

what limited cross-cultural comparisons?

Answer 10

the overall distribution of attachment in the US studies not matching Ainsworth’s suggestions, therefore there was no baseline measure

Question 11

sample used

Answer 11

a large sample of 32 studies was used, including 8 different countries which in total involved 1.990 strange situations

Question 12

what is the sample representative of ?

Answer 12

a large, cross-cultural population which increases the generalisability of the findings.