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Hattie conducted cross-cultural research into attachment types - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 14 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 14
Hattie conducted cross-cultural research into attachment types. She gathered data from two different cultures, one culture was in Europe and one culture was in Asia,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hattie conducted cross-cultural research into attachment types - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 14 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: Evidence from Attachment Studies
Answer
Hattie’s conclusion can be supported by various attachment studies. Ainsworth's (1978) Baltimore study found that 65% of children were securely attached, suggesting that attachment is influenced by the quality of parental care and the environment. On the other hand, Grossmann found that in Germany, only 33% of children were securely attached, highlighting cultural differences in attachment styles. Additionally, the Takahashi (1986) study indicated that Japanese children did not exhibit avoidant attachments, but rather expressed higher levels of insecure-resistant attachments. This difference illustrates the impact of nurture on attachment styles.
Step 2
AO2: Contextual Differences
Answer
Hattie may be correct in stating that attachment types differ due to nurture. The two cultures she studied may have different child-rearing practices, which affect attachment styles. For instance, if Hattie's participants were Japanese, then the mother's role in nurturing could significantly differ due to cultural expectations and family structures. If children from Hattie's study in Japan were regularly separated from their mothers, this could influence their attachment styles directly.
Step 3
AO3: Broad Cultural Considerations
Answer
The research by Ijzendoorn & Kroonenberg (1988) suggests that the most common attachment type in all cultures was secure attachment, yet differences still arise due to cultural practices. This indicates that while attachment may broadly align with the idea that it is nurtured, individual cultural contexts, such as socio-economic factors or parental roles, can lead to varied outcomes. Therefore, while Hattie’s emphasis on nurture aligns with specific studies, it is crucial to consider that attachment is also shaped by biological and intrinsic factors.