Attachment (psych)

Question 1

Schaffer and Emerson facts

Answer 1

*Longitudinal study in natural environment
*Used observations & diary records
*Measured attachment via (1) separation distress and (2) stranger anxiety

Question 2

What Schaffer and Emerson found (not stages)

Answer 2

First attachment is usually formed by 8 months
Stranger anxiety usually 1 month later

Question 3

Schaffer and Emerson stage 1 of attachment

Answer 3

Asocial- 0-6 weeks, respond in a similar way to animate and inanimate objects.

Question 4

Schaffer and Emerson stage 2 of attachment

Answer 4

Indiscriminate-2-6 months
Prefer human company to inanimate objects
Can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people. Easily comforted by anyone. No stranger anxiety.

Question 5

Schaffer and Emerson stage 3 of attachment

Answer 5

Discriminate-7-8 months
Separation and stranger anxiety develops
Joy when reunited with primary caregiver

Question 6

Schaffer and Emerson stage 4 of attachment

Answer 6

Multiple attachments
8+ months
Babies start to build multiple attachments

Question 7

Evaluation of Schaffer and Emerson (pros)

Answer 7

+longitudinal study= high internal validity
+triangulation= a variety of research methods to produce findings- high in reliability
+ecological validity- observed in their own homes in everyday situations- gave findings face validity and high in mundane realism
-limited sample= all w/c mothers from Glasglow- cannot generalise to population as not representative

Question 8

Evaluation of Schaffer and Emerson (cons)

Answer 8

-self report data= unreliable as parents would want to appear as if they have a good attachment to their child (social desirability bias)
-era dependent= carried out in 60’s - outdated as society and the ways children were raised have changed due to changes in position of different genders
-limited sample= all w/c mothers from Glasglow- cannot generalise to population as not representative