Evaluation

• Evaluation - M+P

  • Bowlby's main conclusion was that separation from the mother in early childhood leads to the delinquent behaviour of the children later in childhood
  • However, we should always remember that there may be other variables that caused emotional problems
• Biased data

  • Strength: data was rich, in depth + qualitative. High ecological validity as it was a thorough investigation of real life
  • Weakness: lacks validity as it was vulnerable to researcher bias. Bowlby conducted the psychiatric assessments himself + made the diagnosis of affectionless psychopathy - findings may have been open to his own expectations
  • Weakness: Bowlby knew whether the children were in the 'theft' group or control group. No use of double blind trial as Bowlby had already developed his own theory of maternal deprivation
  • Weakness: Nature of the study means it cannot be replicated + therefore lack reliability
• Evaluation - The Sample

  Could be argued to be biased in a number of ways:

  • Not representative - Most juveniles not referred for treatments
  • The sample of thieves consisted of only those children who had been caught thieving - conclusive as saying all children who steal will have the same issues with separation as the children in this study
  • The control group used in the study were also patients at the clinic that Bowlby worked at - children would have suffered with psychological + emotional issues
• Evaluation - Alternative evidence

  • Muddled together several different experiences
  • Romanian Orphans - if adopted before the age of 6 months they are fine - but if adopted after lack emotional care at a very important time in their development lagged behind a control group of UK children on all measures (physical, cognitive + social) - separation cannot be the only reason for long lasting damage
• Evaluation - Ethical + Social implications:

  • Confidentiality + privacy - Not afforded confidentiality as he gives the first name + initial of last name. Their case studies also provided considerable details of their lives
  • Valid consent - parents asked for consent. The data was collected as a routine part of treating patients at the clinic - decision to use data was retrospective