AQA A Level Psychology Attachment (Latest 2025/ 2026 Update) Questions and 100% Correct Verified Answers [Grade A] – University of California, Berkeley

AQA A Level Psychology Attachment (Latest 2025/ 2026 Update) Questions and 100% Correct Verified Answers [Grade A] – University of California, Berkeley Evaluate research into cultural differences in attachment types -correct answer :) - The study used 2000 children which gives it a very high population validity, meaning the results about cultural differences in attachment styles can be generalised to the target population of other children around the world. :( - Although a large number of studies were used nearly half of them were done in US therefore the study has culture bias and we must be cautious when generalising the results across different cultures. This limits the value of the insight into cultural variations in styles. :( - This study used the SSC which has been criticised for imposed etic and was made solely for individualistic cultures originally. This means we must be cautious when extrapolating results as the SSC might not be suitable to measure attachments in collectivist cultures. :( - Reductionist as it doesn't take other factors into account such as individual differences. Outline Bowlby's theory of Maternal Deprivation -correct answer The theory is concerned with prolonged separation from the mother and the effects on the children that this has, emphasising how important continuous care from a mother figure is essential. If separations are brief it is acceptable and wont damage the child, it is when these become common and for prolonged periods when it becomes deprivation where attachments can be broken. Bowlby stated that the first 2.5 years are the critical period and if separation occurs here then psychological damage is inevitable. Damage can be mental retardation, lowered IQ, which Goldfarb found when comparing IQ in children who were fostered to children in institutions. Bowlby also said that it could lead to affectionless psychopathy, which is where children cannot feel remorse and prevents children from forming normal relationships. Outline research into Maternal Deprivation -correct answer Bowlby had 44 criminal teens and interviewed them for signs of affectionless psychopathy and lack of affection to their victims. Their families were also interviewed to see whether they had had prolonged separations. He found that 14/44 thieves were AP's, of the 14 12 had experienced long term separation at a young age. In contrast only 5/30 had experienced separations. He concluded that early separation can cause affectionless psychopathy. Evaluate Maternal Deprivation -correct answer :( - His research he used to support his theory is flawed as there are many confounding variables such as the fact that his study on war orphans were not just deprived as children but they were often traumatised from atrocities of war. :( - Furthermore Bowlby carried out all the interviews himself and thus it is at risk of extreme researcher bias as the results could have been subjective. This would reduce the value of the insight into maternal deprivation in children. :( - Lewis replicated the 44 thieves study with 500 children and found no relationship between criminality and separation as a chid. This shows other factors could have been present causing AP. What is an attachment? -correct answer An emotional link between the child and there primary caregiver, which ties them together. Four ways an attachment can be tested? -correct answer 1. Seeking Proximity 2. Distress on seperation 3. Joy on reunion 4. General Behaviour What is a bond? -correct answer A bond is a set of feelings that ties one person to another