Critically evaluate Bowlby’s research (12)

• P1: methodology

  One major methodological limitation of Bowlby’s research is that no causal conclusions can be drawn.
• Evi1: methodology

  The study found a correlation between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy, but Bowlby did not manipulate variables, so cause and effect cannot be established. For example, it’s possible that family conflict caused both the separation and emotional issues, or that a child’s difficult temperament led to separation in the first place.
• Eval1: methodology

  This means the conclusions Bowlby drew about maternal deprivation causing emotional problems are speculative and not based on controlled, scientific evidence.
• Link1: methodology

  This reduces the internal validity of his findings and weakens the overall credibility of the study.
• P1: bias and data reliability 


  Another issue concerns the reliability and bias in the data collected.
• Evi2: bias and data reliability

  Bowlby relied heavily on retrospective reports from parents, which may have been inaccurate or distorted by memory decay or social desirability. Additionally, Bowlby conducted the interviews himself and was known to strongly believe in the impact of early maternal bonds.
• Eval2: bias and data reliability

  His personal bias may have influenced both how he interpreted the information and what he focused on during interviews.
• Link2: bias and data reliability

  This reduces the objectivity and reliability of the findings, as they may reflect Bowlby’s own beliefs rather than the true experiences of the participants.
• P3: ethics

  Ethical concerns further weaken the credibility of the study
• Evi3: ethics

  The identities of the children were partially revealed (first name and surname initial), and detailed personal histories were published, which could have breached confidentiality and privacy. also, valid consent may not have been obtained, as the data was originally collected for treatment purposes between 1936-1939 and only later used for research.
• Eval3: ethics

  This would not meet today’s ethical standards and may have caused harm to the participants if they were identifiable or unaware of how their data would be used.
• Link3: ethics

  These ethical weaknesses reduce the reputability and integrity of the research.
• Conclusion

  In conclusion, while Bowlby’s study was pioneering in highlighting the potential long-term effects of early separation, serious methodological and ethical issues limit the extent to which we can trust or generalise his findings. Modern research, such as Rutter’s study of Romanian orphans, has provided more rigorous evidence and clarified that outcomes of deprivation depend heavily on factors like the quality and timing of substitute care.