Explanations of Attachment

• What is the primary caregiver usually for an infant?

  Biological mother
• Why do biological psychologists argue that attachment is innate?

  Babies are primed to attach to caregivers
• What do behaviorists believe about why babies love their mothers?

  They love them for providing food
• How do biological and behaviorist perspectives on attachment differ?

  Biological sees it as innate; behaviorist sees it as learned
• What is the cupboard love theory of attachment?

  • A learning theory explanation
  • Babies attach to mothers for food
  • Based on classical conditioning
• What is classical conditioning?

  Learning by association
• How does Pavlov's study relate to attachment?

  It shows how associations are formed
• What is an unconditioned stimulus in attachment theory?

  Food, producing pleasure in infants
• What does the term 'conditioned stimulus' refer to?

  Mother becomes associated with food
• What is operant conditioning?

  Learning through reinforcement patterns
• How does crying function in the attachment process?

  Crying leads to positive reinforcement from parents
• What is the difference between primary and secondary drives?

  Primary drives are instinctual; secondary drives are learned
• How does attachment relate to secondary drives?

  Attachment is a secondary drive learned for survival
• What is a criticism of learning theory in attachment?

  • Overly simplistic view of attachment
  • Ignores emotional and social factors
  • Lacks ethical research on human infants
• What does face validity mean in the context of attachment theory?

  The theory makes intuitive sense
• How does Harlow's research challenge cupboard love theory?

  Monkeys preferred comfort over food source
• What is Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  • Infants form a strong bond with primary caregiver
  • Bond is crucial for survival
  • Based on innate behaviors and social releases
• What are social releases according to Bowlby?

  Signals designed to draw caregiver's attention
• What is the critical period for forming attachments?

  First 30 months after birth
• 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 is safe base behavior in infants?

  Exploring while returning to caregiver for reassurance
• What are the criticisms of Bowlby's theory?

  • Extrapolation from animal studies is risky
  • Sensitive period is not as rigid in humans
  • Theory may perpetuate gender biases
• How has Bowlby's theory influenced childcare practices?

  Emphasizes immediate contact after birth
• What is the continuity hypothesis in attachment theory?

  Infant attachment predicts adult relationship patterns
• What does determinism in Bowlby's theory imply?

  Infant attachment dictates future relationship behaviors
• What are alternative theories to Bowlby's perspective?

  • Behaviorist cupboard love theory
  • Other biological explanations
  • Social learning theories