The continuity hypothesis

Question 1

What does the continuity hypothesis state?

Answer 1

The internal working model formed by early attachments to caregivers shape future friendships and relationships

Question 2

What is the internal working model?

Answer 2

This is the schema formed by early attachments to caregivers leading to expectations in future relationships

Question 3

Mention Hazan and Shaver’s method to prove the continuity hypothesis?

Answer 3

• Hazan and Shaver created a love quiz using the self report method and questionnaires about attachment styles and present opinions about love.
• The sample was from a volunteer sample in a newspaper ad

Question 4

State the limitations of Hazan and Shaver’s love quiz (3)

Answer 4

• Volunteer sample lacks population validity
• Self report method is subjective and inaccurate, as it can be affected by social desirability bias
• Correlational study means that cause and effect can’t be easily established

Question 5

Explain the results of Hazan and Shaver’s love quiz

Answer 5

• Attachment styles in childhood continued to form adult relationships

Question 6

Explain Mary Main’s adult attachment interview method to prove the continuity hypothesis

Answer 6

Main interviewed adults about their own and their children’s attachment styles

Question 7

Explain the results of Main’s adult attachment interview?

Answer 7

• Adults have the same attachment style towards their child, as their own attachment to their parents
• The percentage of attachment styles in Ainsowrth’s study was similar to the % amongst adults

Question 8

State the limitations of Main’s adult attachment interview (3)

Answer 8

• Inaccuracy as they are recalling childhood memories
• Social desirability bias, they are unlikely to admit to poor relationships
• Investigator effects, ppts may be affected by the investigator’s expectations