weaknesses/criticisms

• Harlow's monkeys shows attachment isn't associated with feeding


  -Rhesus monkeys went to cloth covered mum when frightened by toy drummer for comfort

  -even when it was the wire mother that fed them

  -core idea of feeding leading to attachment is flawed
• Schaffer & Emerson - further evidence that feeding doesn't lead to attachment 


  -Glasgow babies study

  -in about 40% of human infants, the adult who fed, bathed & changed them wasn't the person the infant was most attached to

  -infants more likely to be attached to adults who're responsive to them & providing them with stimulation in form of touching & playing

  -core idea of feeding leading to attachment is flawed
• reductionist 


  -reduces complex human behaviour of attachment to learning through rewards & associations

  -other explanations of attachment > evolutionary theory > states attachment is innate & promotes survival

  -learning theory focuses on nurture, not considering nature

  -too simplistic