Question 1: Explain in your own words what Bowlby meant by the term 'attachment' and why it is important for infants.

Answer: Bowlby defined attachment as a strong emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver. It is important because it provides the child with security, comfort, and a foundation for healthy social and emotional development.

Question 2: Identify and describe two key features of Bowlby's attachment theory.

Answer: Two key features are: (1) Critical Period - a specific time frame during which attachment must develop, typically within the first two years of life; (2) Monotropy - the idea that a child forms a special, primary attachment with one main caregiver, usually the mother.

Question 3: Describe the role of 'the secure base' in Bowlby's theory of attachment.

Answer: The secure base is the caregiver who provides the child with a sense of security, allowing them to explore the environment confidently, knowing they can return to the attachment figure for comfort.

Question 4: Bowlby proposed that attachment develops in stages. Name and briefly describe the first two stages.

Answer: The first stage is the Preattachment stage (birth to 6 weeks), where infants show innate signals like crying to attract attention. The second stage is the Discriminate Attachments stage (around 6 weeks to 7 months), where infants begin to show preference for primary caregivers and seek comfort from them.

Question 5: Explain what Bowlby meant by 'monotropy' and why it is significant.

Answer: Monotropy refers to the idea that a child forms one special, primary attachment with a single main caregiver. It is significant because this attachment has a profound influence on the child's emotional development.

Question 6: Discuss one strength and one limitation of Bowlby’s attachment theory.

Answer: A strength is that it emphasizes the importance of early relationships for later development, which is supported by research. A limitation is that it may underestimate the role of multiple attachments and social factors, focusing too much on the mother as the primary caregiver.

Question 7: Imagine a baby who is distressed when separated from their primary caregiver and seeks comfort upon reunion. How does this behaviour support Bowlby’s theory?

Answer: This behaviour supports Bowlby’s theory because it reflects the attachment bond, showing the infant’s need for proximity and comfort from the primary caregiver, which is central to attachment theory.

Question 8: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the stages of attachment development as proposed by Bowlby. Label each stage clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would include four stages: 1) Preattachment (birth to 6 weeks) with infants showing innate signals; 2) Discriminate Attachments (around 6 weeks to 7 months) with preference for primary caregiver; 3) Specific Attachments (around 7 months onward) with strong attachment to one caregiver; 4) Multiple Attachments (after 1 year) with attachments to other caregivers and family members. Labels should clearly identify each stage.

Question 9: Why is it important for psychologists to understand the concept of 'critical periods' in attachment development?

Answer: Understanding 'critical periods' is important because it suggests there is a specific window during which attachment must form for healthy development. If attachment does not develop within this time, it could lead to emotional or social difficulties.