This summary includes all of the evaluation points required for the entire Attachment topic in AQA A-Level Psychology. Each sub topic has 4 strengths and/or weaknesses on the methodology or research in that area, making them essential for any 12/16 mark essay for exams.
1. Strength: Reliable; the observation was controlled so could be
replicated and is reliable
2. Strength: Valid findings; due to the absence of demand
characteristics, the study and findings are valid
3. Weakness: Difficult to establish infants' meaning of their behaviour;
infant’s mouths are fairly in constant motion and therefore the
expressions tested occur frequently. This makes it difficult to
distinguish between general activity and specific imitate behaviours.
4. Weakness: Individual differences; there is some variation between
infants. Isabella found out that more strongly attached
infant-caregiver pairs showed greater interactional synchrony.
However the cause and effect is not clear, significant individual
differences are present.
Stages of Attachment
1. Strength: High ecological validity; research done in homes which
reflects real life situations-> high internal validity
2. Strength: No participant variables; the same children were followed
3. Weakness: Generalisability; lack of, due to the research being in the
same area, Glasgow so not representative
, 4. Weakness: Social desirability; most data given from mothers, so they
could be lying to look good
Animal Studies of Attachment
Lorenz
1. Strength: A number of other studies have demonstrated and proved
the idea of imprinting in animals. Guiton demonstrated the chicks
becoming imprinted to rubber gloves. This supports the view that
young animals are not born with a predisposition to imprint on a
specific type of object but probably on any moving thing. Therefore
Guiton’s findings provide clear support for Lorenz’s original research
and conclusions
2. Weakness: There is some dispute over the characteristics of
imprinting. At first it was known to be irreversible, now it is understood
as a less permanent process, suggested by Guiton again. This
suggests that imprinting may not be so different from any other kind
of learning. As learning can also take place rapidly, with little
conscious effort and is reversible
Harlow
3. Weakness: Confounding variable; the two stimulus objects varied in
more ways than just being cloth covered or not. The two heads were
also different, which acted as a confounding variable because it
varies with the independent variable and the reason the monkeys
preferred a mother could be because they had a more attractive
head. This therefore lacks internal validity.
4. Weakness: Generalising; we cannot generalise animal studies to
human behaviour. The aim of animal studies is to be able to
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