Exam PPQ's

Question 1

Outline Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation. (3)

Answer 1

• Bowlby’s use of the term ‘deprivation’
• Effects on development – intellectual, emotional, social, e.g. affectionless psychopathy, delinquency, low IQ
• Critical period – an issue if prolonged separation, if before two and half years (but risk up to 5 years) and if no substitute available
• Internal working model – this can lead to inability to be a good parent
• Continuity hypothesis – if there are prolonged separations then there may be issues into adulthood.

Question 2

Explain one criticism of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation. (3)

Answer 2

• Contradictory research, e.g. Lewis (1954)
• Rutter’s criticism that there could be an overstatement of the effects of deprivation
• Sensitive versus critical period
• Real-world application, e.g. the way children are cared for in hospital has changed as a result of Bowlby’s theory/research
• Economic implications of the theory (care, work, etc.).