Technoference & Attachment (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note

Here is an example of a Paper 3 source and a 6-mark SAQ using technology (HL extension) in the Human Development context:

Source 3

Technoference refers to the phenomenon of technology interfering with interpersonal communication and attachment behaviours (e.g., playing, chatting). Some women believe that technoference has had a negative effect on the social and emotional functioning of their child.

Zayia et al. (2021) obtained a sample of 80 mothers and of elementary-age children (mean age of 3.5 years). The study questioned both the mothers and the children to report their perceptions of parental technoference (i.e., the mother's use of technology) and the impact it had on their relationship with their mother and their own social and emotional functioning.

The children who reported higher technoference also reported a less secure mother-child attachment – interestingly, this was not reflected in what their mothers reported (i.e., they reported no insecurity in attachment to their child). Higher rates of technoference were associated with lower ratings of the child's social and emotional functioning by the mothers. A more secure attachment bond between mother and child worked as a protective factor against the negative impact of technoference.

Q3: Discuss how the researcher could avoid bias in this source.

[6 marks]

Model answer:

The researcher could avoid cultural bias in this study by ensuring that her sample is ethnically diverse. The sample could be broadened to include mothers from countries outside of the USA (which is where the research took place) and/or from a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups within the USA. The researcher could avoid gender bias by including fathers in the sample as well; this may help to shed light on possible differing attitudes between parents as to the impact of technoference on attachment.

The researcher could avoid confirmation bias by practising reflexivity, i.e., she should make sure that she is aware of her own preconceived ideas as to technoference and attachment prior to, during and after the procedure. By doing this, it should be possible for her to avoid only reporting data that confirms her initial idea/hypothesis.

Guidance

• The command term “Discuss” requires you to to offer a considered review, acknowledging limitations as well as strengths, offering suggestions for improvement, demonstrating insight of the topic

• A discussion of how to avoid bias could include:

  • Using reflexivity to be alert to confirmation bias and researcher bias

  • Checking the procedure/questions to avoid social desirability bias and acquiescence bis

  • Aiming to find a sample that is as unbiased and representative as possible

  • Being sensitive to issues such as culture bias and gender bias