schaffers stages of attachment

Question 1

what was the aim of schaffers study?

Answer 1

-investigate formation of attachment, age and emotional intensity

Question 2

what was the method of schaffer and emersons study?

Answer 2

-observed 60babies from glasgow for 18mnths, working class

Question 3

why was this a longitudinal study?
(over long period of time)

Answer 3

-visited once a mnth for a year
-then again at 18mnths
-asked mothers to asses seperation/stranger anxiety too

Question 4

what were schaffers and emersons findings?

Answer 4

-25-32 weeks= seperation anxiety to biological attachment
-caregivers most sensitive to babys signals (reciprocity) mainly primary caregiver
-response matters more NOT who is with them more
-40weeks= formed multiple attachment after special attachment (secondary attachment)

Question 5

what is the FIRST stage of attachment?

Answer 5

-asocial
-babys first few weeks
-observable behavior towards humans
-prefer people and their comfort
-treat inaminate objects similar

Question 6

what is the SECOND stage of attachment?

Answer 6

-indiscriminate
-2 to 7mtnhs
-prefer humans
-accept cuddles from anyone
-no stranger/separation anxiety

Question 7

what is the THIRD stage of attachment?

Answer 7

-specific
-7mnths
-separation anxiety is common
-attached to primary carer (who responds to babys signals most)

Question 8

what is the FOURTH stage of attachment?

Answer 8

-multiple attachments
-extend attachment to ppl they spend alot of time with (secondary attachment)
-after forming with primary carer
-by the age of 1

Question 9

schaffer and emerson’s external
validity
positives

Answer 9

-natural env- external validity is high
mother took notes on child’s separation anxiety in own home
generalise to real life settings
-researchers aren’t present at the time
-infant not affected by observers
HOWEVER, mother may be subjective and have bias and not record some signs( may want baby to cry if separated as that’s what they expect)

Question 10

real word application schaffer & E positives

Answer 10

-day care
- for specific attachment starting day care is hard w unfamiliar adults
- parents should plan out their day care

Question 11

S & E generalisability positives

Answer 11

-large scale study
-in some cultures it may be collectivist( so multiple attachment at early age)
-e.g in uganda

Question 12

s &e poor evidence weakness

Answer 12

-for asocial stage babies are immobile
-subtle movements hard to observe
-hard to report back signs
-child may be social but bc they are immobile may appear asocial