Evolutionary Theory

Question 1

Name the 6 main components of Bowlby’s theory

Answer 1

Caregiving, Adaptive + Innate, Sensitive Period, Monotropy and Hierarchy, Internal Working Model, Continuity Hypothesis

Question 2

Caregiving

Answer 2

adaptive babies elicit social releasers (e.g. laughing, crying) to encourage response from the caregiver. ensures interaction happens.

Question 3

Adaptive and innate

Answer 3

Innate drive to become attached, adaptive to increase survival chances

Question 4

Sensitive period

Answer 4

Limited time period for attachment to form - second quarter of the first year

Question 5

Monotropy

Answer 5

Primary attachment figure a.ka. mother/caregiver

Question 6

Hierarchy

Answer 6

Secondary attachment figures ie. father, siblings

Question 7

Internal working model

Answer 7

Model developed by the infant about emotional relationships based on experiences of attachment. What to expect from others in relationships.

Question 8

Continuity Hypothesis

Answer 8

consistency between early emotional relationships and those later in life

Question 9

Study supporting the idea of the sensitive period

Answer 9

Hodges and Tizard - 65 children, institutionalised at less than 4 months old (no attachments formed). Caretakers could not form attachments with any of the children. 70% described as unable to care deeply for anyone

Question 10

Studies contradicting the idea of monotropy and hierarchy

Answer 10

Lamb - found babies prefer fathers as playmates

Grossman and Grossman - fathers and siblings key in a child’s social development

Question 11

Study supporting monotropy and hierarchy

Answer 11

Schaffer and Emerson - found despite infants having many attachments, they maintained one primary figure of attachment

Question 12

Study contradicting the continuity hypothesis

Answer 12

Kagan - the temperament hypothesis: innately friendly and trusting personality could be key in secure attachments, infant’s temperament shapes mother’s responsiveness