3. Attachment EQs

Question 1

Explain the role of the internal working model in Bowlby’s monotropic theory of
attachment. (4 marks)

Answer 1

1. attachment to primary caregiver provides a child with a schema of relationships
2. the model represents a template of relationship with primary figure and acts as a
   template for future relationships
3. someone with a positive internal working model will become a consistent
   caregiver; someone with a negative internal working model will become inconsistent in caregiving
4. bailey research with 99 mothers

Question 2

When they were adopted, Cema was 5 months old and Katti was 5 years old.
Their development was then studied for several years.
Using your knowledge of the Romanian orphan studies, explain how Katti’s
development is likely to have differed from Cema’s as they grew older. (6 marks)

Answer 2

1. Katti was adopted at five years and therefore any effects may be more severe than the effects on Cema, who was adopted before six months
2. lower IQ – Katti may struggle more at school than Cema
3. Katti is less likely to be classified as securely attached than Cema
4. Katti is more likely to show insecure/disinhibited/disorganised attachment than Cema
5. emotional development – Katti may experience more temper tantrums
6. lack of internal working model – Katti may have more difficulty interacting with peers, forming close relationships, etc

Question 3

Briefly explain one economic implication of the findings of research into the role of the
father in attachment. (2 marks)

Answer 3

1. increasingly fathers remain at home and therefore contribute less to the economy
2. consequently more mothers may return to work and contribute more to the economy

Question 4

What is an attachment? (2 marks)

Answer 4

Attachment can be defined as an emotional relationship between two people (1) in which each
seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of the attachment figure. (1)

Question 5

Briefly discuss how researchers might address difficulties encountered when trying to investigate
caregiver-infant interaction. (4 marks)

Answer 5

1. Problem of context affecting behaviour – research should take place in natural setting
   e.g. child’s home to increase validity.
2. Most research is observational so bias in observer interpretation – may be countered by using more than one observer.

Question 6

Explain one reason why it is difficult to draw conclusions about the role of caregiver–infant
interactions in the development of attachment. (2 marks)

Answer 6

1. cannot ever show cause and effect
2. because it is ethically impossible to manipulate the amount of caregiver-infant interaction

Question 7

Anya has a 10-month-old son called Ben. Anya sometimes ignores Ben and does not respond when he cries. However, when Anya feels like playing with Ben, she wakes him up, even if he is
soundly asleep.
What type of attachment is Ben likely to show? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

Answer 7

Ben is likely to be insecurely attached. (1) Anya is showing characteristics of insensitive
mothering (1) because she is responding to her own needs rather than those of Ben. (1)