Explanations of attachment

Question 1

What are the two theories for attachment ?

Answer 1

Learning theory
Bowlbys monotropic theory

Question 2

What is the main assumption of the learning theory of attachment ?

Answer 2

Attached through food
‘cupboard love’

Question 3

What are the two types of conditioning and what do they do ?

Answer 3

Classical conditioning
learning through association
Operant conditioning
learning through reinforcement

Question 4

Evaluate the Learning theory of attachment

Answer 4

• Evidence to contradict from Lorenz​
• Evidence to contradict from Harlow​
  + Scientific – observe and measure behaviour​
  +/- Reductionist​
• Evidence to contradict from Lamb​

Question 5

What is bowlbys monotropic theory

Answer 5

That attachment is innate and an evolutionary function

Question 6

What are the 5 stages of bowlbys monotropic theory ?

Answer 6

Adaptive - enhances the chances of survival
Social releases - innate, universal, instinctively
Critical period - birth to 2 years
Monotropy - single primary attachment
Internal working model - template for all future relationships

Question 7

Evaluate bowlbys monotropic theory

Answer 7

+ Lorenz – innate response (adaptive)​
+ Wolff – different cries with instinctive response (social releasers)​
+ Genie – critical period vital for IWM.​
- Schaffer and Emerson – 29% of children formed multiple attachments (monotropy and CP)​
- Lamb – attachment to father not for survival (monotropy)​