Discuss research into cultural variations in attachment.
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss research into cultural variations in attachment. Refer to van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to describe research into cultural variations in attachment and then evaluate what that research shows about similarities and differences between cultures. For 16 marks, students should give an accurate account of van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s meta-analysis, including its method and findings, then consider issues such as intracultural versus intercultural variation, cultural differences in child-rearing and whether the Strange Situation is an equally valid measure in different cultures.
Cultural variations in attachment, including van Ijzendoorn, are explicitly required by the current specification.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
As this is an original 16-mark discussion question without application, an appropriate allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of research into cultural variations in attachment is accurate and generally well detailed. Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg are clearly described. Discussion is thorough and effective, with methodological and cultural issues clearly related to the interpretation of attachment differences. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of relevant research is evident but there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg are addressed. Discussion is mostly effective, although some points may lack development or focus. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of cultural variations in attachment is present. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Findings may be confused or research may be insufficiently developed. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge is very limited or muddled. There may be confusion about attachment classifications or cultural findings. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Cultural variation in attachment
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Cultural variation refers to differences in attachment patterns between and within cultural groups.
Attachment is commonly classified as:
secure
insecure-avoidant
insecure-resistant.
Research has found both similarities and differences in the distribution of these attachment types.
Intercultural variation refers to differences between cultures or countries.
Intracultural variation refers to differences within the same culture or country.
Differences in attachment distributions may be related to different child-rearing practices.
The June 2022 mark scheme identifies variation in attachment patterns across Germany, Japan, Israel, Italy and other cultural groups, and explicitly allows links to cultural differences in child-rearing.
Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg
Method
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg conducted a meta-analysis.
They combined findings from 32 studies.
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