Research Paper- Graduate-level Psychology

Introduction & Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to examine how family composition impacts attachments styles in adult interpersonal relationships. The study will address attachment theory, attachment styles, adult relationships, and the impact of a child’s environmental upbringing on their ability to develop and maintain a secure attachment style as an adult.

Proposed Methods:

The study would be conducted as a quasi-experiment. This would allow the researchers to place an emphasis on the external validity of the study, as opposed to the internal validity in a true experiment. It would also measure the outcomes for program participants and non-participants without randomization. The subjects would be assigned to the specific groups of being raised in either single-parent homes and two-parent homes. Both groups would receive the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised (ECR-R) to explore the potential correlation between insecure attachment styles, such as anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, or fearful-avoidant, and the upbringing in single-parent homes.

Proposed Results:

Due to the fact that this study would be conducted as a quasi-experiment, it is important to note that the researchers would not have control over the treatment. As for the results, this study would explore the pre-existing groups of single-parent upbringing and two-parent upbringing homes in relation to the individuals attachment styles. Based on research, it would be the assumption that the participants in the single-parent group would show more indications of having a non-secure attachment styles than those participants in the two-parent group.

Possible Limitations & Design:

There are a few limitations when conducting a quasi-experiment. While this format induces a higher external validity than most true experiments as a result of more realistic interventions as opposed to laboratory settings, there is also the downfall of having a lower internal validity. Without the randomization component, it could be difficult to verify that all variables in the study have been explored and addressed.

Another limitation could be seen as to how data is being collected retrospectively. The participants would be asked to explore their childhood upbringing and family systems as an adult. Therefore, this data collection is dependent upon self-disclosure, honesty, and the ability to effectively recall events from the past using memory. Participants may alter the severity of their responses, altering the results of the study.