Schaffer and Emerson: Glasgow study

What was the aim of Schaffer and Emerson?

To investigate the development of attachment in infants and whether it occurs in stages.

What method did Schaffer & Emerson use?

• Longitudinal study of 60 babies

• Monthly observations + interviews

• Follow-up at 18 months

What two behaviours were measured?

• Separation anxiety (distress when caregiver leaves)

• Stranger anxiety (distress around unfamiliar people)

When did attachment behaviours develop?

• Separation anxiety: 25–32 weeks

• Stranger anxiety: about 1 month later

What did the study find about multiple attachments?

By 18 months, 87% of infants had multiple attachments.

Who did infants form the strongest attachment to?

Usually the mother, especially with consistent interaction.

What did Schaffer & Emerson conclude?

• Attachment develops in stages (biological process)

• Quality of interaction determines attachment strength

Why does the study lack generalisability?

Sample was white, working-class Glaswegian babies → not representative of other cultures or groups.

Why might the study lack temporal validity?

Conducted in the 1960s → parenting styles have changed.

What is a strength of the study’s setting?

Conducted in participants’ homes → high ecological validity and realism.

How does triangulation improve validity?

Used observations + self-report (interviews) → increases internal validity.