EVALUATION OF THEORY (MAT DEP)

• STRENGTH- SUPPORTING EVIDENCE FOR THEORY OF INTELLECTUAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MAT DEP:

  • 44 Thieves
  • Conducted interviews with family of thieves (looked for affectionless psychopathology)
  • 14/44 - affectionless psychopaths (86% - early prolonged separation)
  • Only 4% of control group- MAT. DEP
  • Increases validity- shows link between mat dep and Affectionless psychopathy
• WEAKNESS- LACKS TESTABILITY

  • Bowlby argues that mat. dep results in affectionless psychopathy
  • Has been argued that it could be neglect
  • Decreases scientific quality- may be a third-variable problem (causality cannot be established)
• Strength- High usefulness

  • Changing hospital visiting hours
  • Children with mothers in hospitals can still see them
  • Separation isn’t happening during 1st 5 years of life- mat dep is unlikely
  • Increases validity- practical application in real-life prevents the impacts of mat dep