Explanations of Attachment

• Learning Theory:

  :( environmental reductionism

  > reduces complex human behaviour of attachment down to simple basic units of learning to attach through stimulus, response and association

  > neglects a holistic approach (social and cultural context) - in collectivist cultures where families work together to look after children, they may form multiple attachments from the outset

  > lacks internal validity - does not allow us to understand behaviour in context
• Learning Theory:

  :( RTC Harlow

  > monkeys spent more time with surrogate mother who provided comfort rather than food - according to learning theorists, the same must be true for humans (believe that humans and non-humans are equivalent)

  > limits the learning theory

  discussion - animal bias
• Learning Theory:

  :( RTC Schaffer and Emerson

  > found that attachment was due to responding to infants signals and interacting with them

  > these signals go beyond just feeding the infant

  > suggests that feeding does not appear to be the most important factor in forming an attachment, as the learning theory suggests
• Bowlby's Monotropic Theory:

  :) RTS Lorenz

  > found a critical period of 12-17 hours in which imprinting had to take place, otherwise it would not happen

  > supports Bowlby's concept of a critical period - infants must attach within the first 2.5 years of life

  > strengthens Bowlby's monotropic theory

  discussion - animal bias
• Bowlby's Monotropic Theory:

  :) RTS Hazan and Shaver

  > created the 'love quiz' - found that securely attached children had happy and long-lasting relationships in later life, whereas, insecurely attached children found it hard to form relationships (many were divorced)

  > supports the internal working model

  discussion - questionnaire = social desirability bias
• Bowlby's Monotropic Theory:

  :( RTC Schaffer and Emerson

  > found that children have multiple attachments, which help them develop socially, emotionally and cognitively

  > contradicts monotropy

  discussion - Schaffer and Emerson did find that children will form specific attachments before multiple - in 65% of cases, the mother
• Bowlby's Monotropic Theory:

  :( alternative explanation

  > the learning theory - proposes we learn to attach to a feeder through stimulus, response and association

  > rather than attachment being innate as it gives us a survival advantage

  > Bowlby's monotropic theory is not the sole explanation