The 44 Theives Study - BMDH Flashcards
What was the aim?
To test his maternal depression hypothesis in particular the effects of early seperation and affection less psychopathy.
Who did Bowlby analyse?
The case studies of a number of his patients in the Child Guidence Clinic in London all of who were emotionally maladjusted.
How many children did he study and how many had been caught stealing?
88, half had been caught stealing and the other were a control group.
What did Bowlby suggest some of the “thieves” were?
Affectionless Psychopaths (lacked normal signs of affection, shame or sense of responsibility)
Why were the thieves able to steal?
They could steal because it didn’t matter to them.
What did Bowlby find?
The individuals diagnosed as affectionless psychopaths has experienced frequent early seperation from their mother. 86% of affectionless thieves experienced frequent seperation.
How many of the control group had experienced early seperations?
0
What can you conclude from this study?
Seperation in early life can lead to long term ill effects and there is a link between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy.
What is the issue of researcher bias in this study?
It was Bowlby testing his own theory and he interviewed them and interpreted and concluded his own results so their may be bias with how true his hypothesis is.
What is the issue with correlational
research?
Bowlby assumed a cause and effect as it cannot be drawn from correlational research.
