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 develop quickly
• How do behaviorists explain the attachment of infants to their caregivers?

  Infants attach to get food for survival
• What is the cupboard love theory of attachment?

  Attachment develops through learning associations
• What type of conditioning does the cupboard love theory use?

  Classical conditioning
• How does classical conditioning explain attachment?

  Infants associate mothers with food and pleasure
• What is an unconditioned stimulus in the context of attachment?

  Food
• What does the term 'conditioned stimulus' refer to in attachment?

  Mother becomes associated with food
• How does operant conditioning relate to infant behavior?

  Infants cry to receive food as reinforcement
• What is positive reinforcement in the context of attachment?

  Providing milk when the baby cries
• What is negative reinforcement in the context of attachment?

  Stopping crying by providing care
• What are primary drives?

  Instinctual needs for survival
• How do secondary drives differ from primary drives?

  Secondary drives are learned behaviors
• How does attachment function as a secondary drive?

  Infants learn mothers satisfy primary drives
• What is face validity in the context of learning theory?

  The theory makes intuitive sense
• What is a criticism of learning theory regarding attachment?

  It is overly simplistic
• What did Harlow's studies suggest about attachment?

  Infants need comfort, not just food
• What is Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  Infants form a strong bond with one caregiver
• What are social releases according to Bowlby?

  Innate behaviors that attract caregiver attention
• What is the critical period for forming attachments according to Bowlby?

  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 is a criticism of Bowlby's theory regarding animal research?

  Animal research may not apply to humans
• How has Bowlby's theory influenced child care practices?

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

  Infant attachment predicts adult relationship quality
• What is the counter theory to Bowlby's perspective?

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

  Infants attach due to food associations
• What is a criticism of Bowlby's view on gender roles?

  It perpetuates outdated gender biases
• What is a potential limitation of the internal working model?

  It may limit individual autonomy in relationships