Explanations of attachment, the concepts of a critical period and an internal working model. Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is learning theory?
proposes that all behaviour is learned rather than innate. Behaviour is either learned thorough classical or operant conditioning.
Outline classical conditioning in attachment.
- reflex response to a stimulus.
- (UCS)Food produces pleasure (UCR)
- The person feeding the infant (CS) is associated with the feeling of pleasure from the food so the infant gives a (CR).
Outline operant conditioning in attachment.
- Hungry infant wants to reduce the feeling of discomfort.
- Food= sense of relief of discomforting feeling- primary reinforcer.
- Adult supplying food is associated with the pleasure- secondary reinforcer.
- Attachment occurs between the person supplying the reward and the infant.
Evaluate learning theory.
+Provide adequate explanation of how attachments are made based on experimental evidence.
+Legitimate to connect animal behaviour with human behaviour as we have evolved from them.
-Contradictory evidence- Harlow.
-Cupboard love theory, we want attention and comfort over food.
What was Bowlby’s theory of attachment?
- Attachment behaviours are innate.
- Ensures the survival of babies.
- Babies have social releasers, crying etc.
- Needs to from within 2-3 year critical period or negative impacts.
- Monotropy usually with the biological mother.
- Internal working model creates expectations of relationships.
- Continuity hypothesis predicts those who are securely attached and those who aren’t.
What is monotropy?
The tendency to make an attachment uniquely different to other relationships, usually with biological mother.
What is the Mnemonic from Bowlby’s monotropic theory?
ISSMIC.
What does ISSMIC stand for?
- Innate
- Social relasers
- Sensitive period
- Monotrophy
- Continuity hypothesis.
What are the advantages of Bowlby’s theory?
- Innate, universal validity- African tribe mothers.
- Supporting evidence to critical period, Hodges and Tizard, children grew to have difficulties without forming early bonds.
What are the disadvantages of Bowlby’s theory?
- Continuity theory can be explained without Bowlby’s theory- AKA the temperament hypothesis.
- there is no primary or secondary attachments, all attachments are equal.
What does the internal working model do to help secure attachments?
It gives people an idea of what relationships are so in future we know what to expect.
What is the critical period?
A period in a child’s life between the age of 2 and 3 years old, where they have to form an attachment with a primary figure in order to form better attachments later. Failure to do so may lead to serious difficulties forming bonds later on in life.
