Explanations of Attachment (booklet 3)

Question 1

Two explanations of attachment

Answer 1

1. Learning theory (based on classical conditioning)
2. Bowlby’s monotropic theory

Question 2

Describe learning theory of attachment

Answer 2

Dollard and Miller (1950)
Suggests we become attached due to classical conditioning
Argues babies attach to their mothers as they learn to associate them with food

Question 3

Learning theory of attachment flow chart

Answer 3

Before learning:
NS (mother) -> no response
UCS (food) -> UCR (contentment)
During learning:
NS (mother) + UCS (food) -> UCR (contentment)
After learning:
CS (mother) -> CR (contentment)

Question 4

Learning theory of attachment research evidence - Dollard and Miller (1950)

Answer 4

State that by baby’s first birthday have been fed around 2000 times, usually mostly by mother
Therefore great deal of opportunity for infant to associate carer with food

Question 5

Learning theory of attachment research evidence- Schaffer and Emerson (1964)

Answer 5

In 39% of cases mother was main carer (giver of food) but not infant’s PAF
Suggests feeding is not main explanation of attachment

Question 6

Attachment as a secondary drive

Answer 6

Hunger can be thought of as a primary drive as it is innate
We eat to reduce the hunger drive
Sears et al (1957) suggested the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to the caregiver
Attachment is therefore a secondary drive

Question 7

Operant conditioning in forming attachment

Answer 7

When the baby cries the caregiver responds (eg by feeding the infant) - acts as positive reinforcement
As long as caregiver provides correct response, crying is reinforced
Two way process
Caregiver receives negative reinforcement as crying stops
Mutual reinforcement strengthens attachment

Question 8

Evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment- counter evidence from animal studies

Answer 8

Lack of support from studies conducted on animals
Lorenz’s geese imprinted on first thing they saw before food was given/ regardless of food
Harlows monkeys spent more time with cloth monkey even though wire monkey provided food
Shows factors other than association with food are importantly when forming attachment

Question 9

Evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment- counter evidence from studies on humans

Answer 9

Lack of support from studies on human babies
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found babies formed main attachment to mother regardless of if she normally fed them
Isabella et al (1989) found high levels of interactional synchrony predicted quality of attachment- not related to feeding
Suggests food is not main factor in formation of human attachments

Question 10

Evaluate learning theory as an explanation for attachment- some conditioning may be involved

Answer 10

Strength is conditioning may be involved in some elements of attachment
Baby may associate feeling warm and comfortable with presence of a particular adult
So learning may still be useful in developing attachment

Question 11

Describe the ideas Bowlby took from animal studies when developing his monotropic theory of attachment

Answer 11

Lorenz argued imprinting in hatchlings was an innate response in a critical period after birth
Bowlby agreed attachment was instinctive and suggested critical period was from birth to 2.5 years
Harlow demonstrated attachment was influenced by contact comfort and attachment is important for development and later relationships
Bowlby agreed need for close contact is innate and needed for survival and comfort
Also believed a lack of an emotional bond may have an adverse effect for human infants

Question 12

Describe the internal working model

Answer 12

The quality of the infant’s first attachment forms a template for future relationships
Develops the child’s perception of what relationships should be like

Question 13

Continuity hypothesis

Answer 13

Proposed by Bowlby
Believed the quality of early attachment would influence future relationships
Can predict relationships in adult life

Question 14

IWM supporting study

Answer 14

Hazan and Shaver (1987)
Findings showed relationships between notion of love (IWM) and attachment type
Concluded securely attached people tended to have a positive IWM

Question 15

Social releasers

Answer 15

Behaviours which promote infant caregiver interaction eg smiling, cooing, eye contact
Behaviours are innate within infant to maintain close contact with parents- proximity seeking
Encourages adults to attach to babies as they elicit caring, nurturing behaviours in adults

Question 16

Sensitive responsiveness

Answer 16

Parents’ ability to be aware of and respond appropriately to the infants needs
According to Bowlby adults are ‘programmed’ to attach to infants to ensure their genes are passed on (reproductive success)

Question 17

Evaluate Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment- monotropy is universal

Answer 17

Need for monotropy appears to be universal
Ainsworth (1967) observed Ganda tribe of Uganda and found infants formed one primary attachment even when reared by multiple carers
Suggests instinct to form a monotropic attachment must be innate as it is seen by infants of many cultures regardless of child rearing practices, supporting Bowlby’s theory

Question 18

Evaluate Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment- important contribution

Answer 18

Bowlby’s theory has developed our knowledge and understanding of the importance of early attachment
More awareness of importance of an early monotropic attachment for a child’s emotional and social development

Question 19

Evaluate Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment- gender bias

Answer 19

Implies mothers are ‘special’ in the way they are biologically predisposed to attach to babies
Also continuity hypothesis places responsibility on mother for anything that goes wrong in the future
Theory ignores role of father too and lacks temporal validity as child rearing practices have changed