Explanations of Attachment

• What is the primary caregiver's usual role in an infant's life?

  The primary caregiver is usually the biological mother.
• What do biological psychologists argue about the attachment bond between infants and caregivers?

  They argue that the attachment bond is innate.
• According to behaviorists, why do babies develop attachment to their mothers?

  Babies attach to their mothers because they provide food.
• What is the 'cupboard love theory' of attachment?

  It is a learning theory explanation that suggests babies become attached to their mothers as they learn that they provide food.
• What type of conditioning does the cupboard love theory rely on?

  Classical conditioning.
• How does classical conditioning explain the development of attachment?

  It explains that infants learn to associate their mother with food, leading to attachment.
• Who conducted the classic study that demonstrated classical conditioning with dogs?

  Pavlov.
• What is the unconditioned stimulus in the context of attachment development?

  Food.
• What does the term 'unconditioned response' refer to in attachment theory?

  It refers to the instinctual pleasure a baby feels when fed.
• What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

  Positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus, while negative reinforcement involves removing a stimulus.
• How does crying serve as a form of positive reinforcement for infants?

  Crying leads to the parent providing milk, which is a pleasant stimulus.
• What is the role of primary and secondary drives in attachment?

  Attachment is a secondary drive that helps satisfy primary drives like hunger.
• What is a criticism of the learning theory of attachment?

  It is seen as overly simplistic by many parents.
• What did Harlow's studies with monkeys demonstrate about attachment?

  Infant monkeys showed attachment behavior to a cloth mother that provided comfort, not just food.
• What is Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  It suggests infants are instinctively driven to form a strong bond with their primary caregiver, usually their mother.
• What does the term 'monotropy' refer to in Bowlby's theory?

  Monotropy refers to the idea that infants form a particularly strong bond with one primary caregiver.
• What are social releases according to Bowlby?

  Social releases are innate behaviors like crying and smiling that draw caregiver attention.
• What is the critical period for forming a primary attachment according to Bowlby?

  The critical period is the first 30 months after birth.
• What is the internal working model in Bowlby's theory?

  It is a mental blueprint that shapes how individuals perceive relationships later in life.
• How does consistent care affect the strength of attachment according to Bowlby?

  Consistent care results in a stronger attachment bond.
• What is 'safe base behavior' in infants?

  It is when infants confidently explore their surroundings while using their caregiver as a source of reassurance.
• What is a limitation of applying animal research to human attachment studies?

  Animal research may not directly translate to human behavior due to differences in species.
• What did Bowlby believe about the impact of not forming a primary attachment during the critical period?

  He believed it could lead to lasting negative impacts on social, emotional, and intellectual development.
• How has Bowlby's theory influenced modern childcare practices?

  It has emphasized the importance of immediate physical contact between mothers and newborns.
• What is a criticism of Bowlby's theory regarding gender roles?

  It perpetuates gender biases by suggesting mothers have an indispensable role in attachment.
• What is the continuity hypothesis in relation to Bowlby's internal working model?

  It suggests that the quality of an infant's attachment can predict their adult relationship patterns.
• What is a counter theory to Bowlby's evolutionary perspective on attachment?

  The behaviorist cupboard love theory argues that infants become attached to their mothers mainly because they associate them with food.
• What is the significance of Harlow's experiments in the context of attachment theory?

  Harlow's experiments validated the importance of comfort in attachment, beyond just food.
• What is the role of the caregiver in Bowlby's theory of attachment?

  The caregiver provides security and is crucial for the infant's survival.
• What is a potential issue with the deterministic nature of Bowlby's internal working model?

  It challenges the belief that individuals have autonomy over their relationships.
• What are the key components of the learning theory of attachment?

  • Cupboard love theory
  • Classical conditioning
  • Operant conditioning
  • Positive and negative reinforcement
• What are the main criticisms of Bowlby's monotropic theory?

  • Perpetuates gender biases
  • Extrapolation from animal studies
  • Deterministic nature of internal working model
• What are the implications of Bowlby's theory for modern childcare practices?

  • Emphasis on immediate physical contact
  • Serious consideration of neglect cases
  • Understanding long-term effects of mistreatment