Cultural Variations in attachment

• what is a meta-analysis?

  a statistical analysis of past studies/research on a specific subject that can give researchers a 'big picture' view of the topics
• what was IJzendoorn and Kroonenbergs (1988) study?

  • a meta-analysis of 32 studies including 1990 infants
  • found secure attachment was most common
  • China and Britain showed biggest range
• what are cultural variations?

  the differences in norms and values that exist between people in different cultural groups
• what proportion of Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg's study was consistent with Ainsworths findings?

  6/8 countries
• what countries were involved in Ijendoorn and Kroonenberg's study?

  USA, Great Britain, Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Japan, China and South Korea
• what are some strengths of research into cultural variations?

  • + scientific methods - Ijendoorn and Kroonenberg used meta-analysis, larger sample, done systematically and based on quantitative analysis - increases validity, larger sample increases internal validity - reduces impact of biased methodology or unusual participants
  • + Bowlby's idea of innate mechanisms to form attachments is universal as they are for survival - biologically driven process occurs early and isn't modified by culture
• what are limitations of research into cultural variations in attachments?

  • imposed etic as Ainsworth disregards notion of cultural emic (uniqueness) , designed using American views/values and based on Bowlby's theory (British) - cultural bias
  • classifying other cultures as 'insecure' is judgemental and negative (German e.g.) - cultural differences need to be considered
  • Ijendoorn and Kroonenberg counter Bowlby innate theory by suggesting cross-cultural similarities are due to mass exposure to media i.e TV rather than inborn tendencies