Practise IB Psychology SL 3.2.5 questions by evaluating attachment theories and studies and explaining effects on later relationships and development.
Evaluate one example of psychological research (theory or study) relevant to attachment.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "evaluate" requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of one theory or study related to attachment. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.
Relevant theories may include, but are not limited to:
- Schaffer's cognitive theory of attachment
- Bowlby's attachment theory
- Ainsworth's attachment theory
- Spitz's psychodynamic theory of attachment.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Ainsworth's strange situation studies (1967, 1971, 1978)
- Robertson and Bowlby's study (1952) on the short-term effects of deprivation
- Harlow and Harlow's rhesus monkeys study (1962)
- Hodges and Tizard's adoption study (1989)
- Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s cross-cultural study (1988)
- Hazan and Shaver's study (1987) on adult attachment behaviour.
Whichever theory or study is selected, the focus of the answer should be on the evaluation of that theory or study. The focus of the response should be on one example of psychological research relevant to attachment rather than a general overview of attachment
Evaluation of the research may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological considerations
- cultural considerations
- contrary findings or explanations
- the productivity of the theory in generating psychological research
- the applications of the empirical findings.
If a candidate evaluates more than one theory or study, credit should be given only to the first evaluation. However, candidates may address other theories/studies and be awarded marks for these as long as they are clearly used to evaluate the main research addressed in the response.
If a candidate discusses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5 marks] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2 marks] for criterion C, organization. Up to full marks may be awarded for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension.