Psychodynamic Classic Evidence Evaluation

Question 1

What are the methodological evaluation points on Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study?

Answer 1

No casual findings
Bias data
Bias sample

Question 2

Explain the weaknesses no casual findings.

Answer 2

Weakness - Bowlby concluded prolonged separation from the mother caused delinquent behaviour, however he found a relationship between the two in the thieves not a cause and effect relationship therefore no causal conclusions can be drawn

Question 3

Explain strengths and weaknesses of the bias data.

Answer 3

Strength - in depth qualitative data 25 page report on the 44 thieves and their history with little manipulation
Weakness
Weakness - data is limited to the views and opinions of one researcher and may be open to bias

Question 4

Explain the weakness of the bias sample.

Answer 4

Weakness - all 88 of the participants from the sample were emotionally disturbed therefore the findings cannot be generalised

Question 5

Explain the alternate evidence that could be used to evaluate Bowlby’s study?

Answer 5

Rutter’s Romanian Orphans - Romania wanted an increased population and banned contraception lead to 10,000 kids in orphanages in awful conditions
Those adopted before 6 months had a mean IQ of 102.
Those adopted after 2 years had a mean IQ of 77

Question 6

What the ethical evaluation points on Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study?

Answer 6

Confidentiality
No valid consent

Question 7

Explain the weakness of the confidentiality of the study?

Answer 7

Children’s names, ages, parents , psychiatric history and diagnosis were published and could’ve used code names etc.

Question 8

Explain the weakness of the lack of valid consent of the study?

Answer 8

Had consent from the parents of the children but not the children themselves - too young to understand therefore not entirely valid consent and could’ve waited until age of valid consent

Question 9

What were the social implications of Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study?

Answer 9

Strength - Highlighted the role of the mother which led to more rights for the mother e.g. maternity care availability
Weakness - Mothers in society may blame themselves for any emotional distress on children
May scare children in not wanting to leave their children at all and not want to return to work which damages economy