Schaffer's Stages of Attachment Flashcards
What was the procedure of Schaffer and Emerson (1964)?
-Observation – Natural, Overt
-Longitudinal – same children over 18 months (alternative = cross sectional)
60 infants
-Age between 5 weeks – 23 weeks
-Observed every 4 weeks until 1 year old
Observed at again 18 months
What was measured in Schaffer and Emerson (1964) study?
- Separation anxiety
- Stranger anxiety
What were the results of Schaffer and Emerson (1964)?
- 50% showed separation anxiety between 25 and 32 weeks of age
- Attachment formed with caregiver who interacts the most with the infant and is sensitive to their signals and expressions
What are the four stages of attachment?
- Asocial
- Indiscriminate
- Specific attachment
- Multiple attachment
When does the asocial stage?
0 to 6 weeks
What occurs during the asocial stage?
- Babies respond to inanimate objects and humans in similar ways.
- Behaviour is not directed at anything or anybody in particular.
When does the indiscriminate stage occur?
6 weeks to 7 months
What occurs at the indiscriminate stage?
- Happiest when receiving attention - show sociability
- Not directed at any one person
- Any one will do!
When does the specific attachment stage occur?
7 to 11 months
What occurs at the specific attachment stage?
- Attachment to 1 person - stranger anxiety & separation protest
- 65% specific attachment at 7 mths
When does the multiple attachment stage occur?
After 9 months
What occurs at the multiple attachment stage?
The baby becomes increasingly independent and forms several attachments
Does Schaffer and Emerson lack external validity?
No
Why does Schaffer and Emerson have a high external validity?
As reduced observer effect as parents did the observing
Why is Schaffer and Emerson study being longitudinal a strength?
Children followed up regularly
