Schaffer and Emerson (1964)

Question 1

Aim…

Answer 1

To see how attachments develop over time.

Question 2

Method…

Answer 2

• Field experiment
• Naturalistic observations
• Longitudinal study

Question 3

Procedure…

Answer 3

• Studied 60 infants for first 18 months of their lives
• Monthly visits
• Measured separation anxiety, stranger anxiety and social referencing
• Interviewed mothers about behaviours of attachment

Question 4

Findings/Conclusion…

Answer 4

1) Asocial (0-6 weeks) - many stimuli, both social and non-social produce a favourable reaction
2) Indiscriminate attachment (6 weeks - 7 months) - infant enjoys company, responds well to any caregiver, upset when no one interacts with them
3) Discriminate attachment (7-9 months) - preference for single attachment figure (monotropy), shows stranger and separation anxiety
4) Multiple attachments (10 months +) - forms several attachments by 18 months, more likely to attach to those who respond accurately to infant signals rather than someone who feeds them