Explanations of Attachment

• What is the primary caregiver usually for an infant?

  Biological mother
• What do biological psychologists argue about attachment bonds?

  They are innate and biologically driven
• According to behaviorists, why do babies love their mothers?

  Because mothers provide food
• What is the main focus of the learning theory explanation of attachment?

  Association between mother and food
• What is the cupboard love theory of attachment?

  • Babies learn to associate mothers with food
  • Based on classical conditioning
  • Involves learning by association
• Who conducted the classic study related to classical conditioning?

  Pavlov
• What does the term 'unconditioned stimulus' refer to?

  Stimulus that naturally produces a response
• What is the unconditioned response when a baby is fed?

  Pleasure
• How does a neutral stimulus become a conditioned stimulus in attachment?

  By being associated with food during feeding
• What is operant conditioning?

  Learning through reinforcement patterns
• What does positive reinforcement do?

  Makes behavior more likely by adding a stimulus
• What is negative reinforcement in the context of infant behavior?

  Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior
• What are primary drives based on?

  Instinct and survival needs
• What is a secondary drive?

  Learned drive that satisfies primary drives
• How does attachment relate to primary and secondary drives?

  Attachment is a secondary drive satisfying hunger
• What is a criticism of the learning theory of attachment?

  • Overly simplistic view of attachment
  • Ignores emotional and instinctual factors
  • Lacks ethical research on human infants
• What does face validity refer to in attachment theory?

  The theory makes intuitive sense
• What did Harlow's studies with monkeys demonstrate about attachment?

  Infants seek comfort over food
• What is Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  • Infants form a strong bond with primary caregiver
  • Bond is crucial for survival
  • Instinctive drive to form close relationships
• What term did Bowlby use to describe the strong bond with a primary caregiver?

  Monotropy
• What are social releases according to Bowlby?

  Innate behaviors that draw caregiver's attention
• What is the critical period for forming a primary attachment according to Bowlby?

  First 30 months after birth
• What happens if a primary attachment does not form in the critical period?

  It could lead to lasting negative impacts
• What is the internal working model in attachment theory?

  A blueprint for future relationships
• How does consistent care affect attachment strength?

  It results in a stronger attachment bond
• What behavior indicates a secure attachment in infants?

  Confidently exploring surroundings
• What is a limitation of Bowlby's theory regarding animal research?

  • Animal research may not apply to humans
  • Differences in attachment behaviors
  • Ethical concerns in human studies
• What did Bowlby believe about early child experiences?

  They set the stage for future relationships
• What is the continuity hypothesis in attachment theory?

  Quality of infant attachment predicts adult relationships
• What are some criticisms of Bowlby's attachment theory?

  • Perpetuates gender biases
  • Overemphasizes maternal role
  • Ignores diverse family structures
• What is the counter theory to Bowlby's evolutionary perspective?

  Behaviorist cupboard love theory
• What does the cupboard love theory argue about infant attachment?

  Infants attach due to association with food
• What is a deterministic aspect of Bowlby's internal working model?

  It suggests early attachment predicts future behavior
• Who were Bowlby's theories inspired by?

  Freud and Harlow
• What is the significance of immediate physical contact after birth?

  It promotes bonding between mother and infant
• What is the role of social service professionals regarding neglect?

  They take cases of neglect very seriously
• What is the potential long-term effect of mistreatment in infancy?

  Negative impacts on social and emotional development