Robertson and Robertson separation study

• Method

  Naturalistic observation of several children who experienced short separations from carers were observed and filmed

  Boy 18 months old stayed in nursery for 9 days whilst mum had a baby
• Findings

  First few days boy protested being separated from mother

  Started crying for attention from nurses

  Nurses busy with other children, boy gave up

  Another few days, boy showed signs of detachment

  When mother returned - reluctant affection
• Conclusion

  Short-term separation had very bad affects of the boy including possible permanent damage with mother
• Evaluation

  • Reaction may not have been due to separation
  • Reaction down to new environment?
  • Little control of variables
  • Difficult to exactly replicate study
  • Good ecological validity