Roman orphan studies

• What does institutionalisation refer to?

  Behaviour patterns of children in care
• How can psychologists investigate maternal deprivation?

  In the context of institutional care
• What was the sample size in Rutter et al's study?

  • 165 orphans
• What were the age groups of orphans in Rutter et al's study?

  Before 6 months, 6 months to 2 years, after 2 years
• What was the trend in IQ levels at 11 years based on age of adoption?

  The later the adoption, the lower the IQ
• What attachment behavior was observed in children adopted after 6 months?

  Disinhibited attachments
• What was the percentage of secure attachments in the control group of Zeanah et al's study?

  74%
• What percentage of institutionalized children showed disinhibited attachment in Zeanah et al's study?

  44%
• What is a strength of research into institutionalisation?

  • Improved understanding of early institutional care
  • Methods to prevent negative effects identified
• What did Langton (2006) argue about Romanian orphans?

  They improved understanding of early institutional care
• Why were previous orphan studies difficult to interpret?

  Due to varying degrees of trauma experienced
• What does the lack of confounding variables in Romanian orphans imply?

  Higher validity in research findings
• What is a weakness of Rutter/Zeanah et al's study?

  Lack of adult data
• What do psychologists need to do for a holistic picture of institutionalisation?

  Gather adult data on long-term effects
• What were the findings of Hodges & Tizard (1989)?

  • 65 children studied
  • Adopted children mostly overcame maternal deprivation
  • Institutionalised children had limited recoveries
  • All groups struggled with peer relationships
• What ethical consideration arises from Hodges & Tizard's study?

  Potential harm to children in care
• What is an issue with the lack of random allocation in Hodges & Tizard's study?

  It may introduce selection bias
• Why is research on institutionalisation considered socially sensitive?

  • Can lead to stigma for affected children
  • May reinforce negative stereotypes
  • Risks self-fulfilling prophecies
• What are the benefits of research in institutionalisation?

  Improved care practices for children
• How does the term self-fulfilling prophecy relate to institutionalisation research?

  It can perpetuate negative outcomes for children