Explanations of attachment: learning theory and Bowlby's monotropic theory
Two theories explain why babies form attachments. Learning theory says babies attach to whoever feeds them. Bowlby's monotropic theory says attachment is an innate biological drive toward one special caregiver.
Real World
Harlow's monkeys chose comfort over food, which directly challenges learning theory. Meanwhile, Bowlby drew on observations of children orphaned during World War II — such as those in Anna Freud's Hampstead nurseries — to argue that attachment is an evolved survival mechanism, not a learned response to feeding.
Exam Focus
Structure 'evaluate' answers by explaining one theory, then the other, then comparing them using evidence — avoid writing two separate mini-essays.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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