Attachment: Practice Questions

A researcher is studying the long-term effects of institutionalisation. They compare a group of children who spent their first three years in an orphanage with a group of children raised in traditional family settings. The researcher finds that the institutionalised children often show an equal level of friendliness and affection towards both familiar caregivers and complete strangers.

Which specific attachment type, often associated with the findings of the Romanian Adoptees project, is being described?

According to Bowlby's monotropic theory, if a child fails to form an attachment during the critical period (approximately birth to 2.5 years), what did Bowlby suggest would be the most significant consequence for the child's future adult life?

In Harlow's (1958) research with rhesus monkeys, what was the primary conclusion regarding the basis of attachment?

A psychologist is evaluating the Learning Theory of attachment (often referred to as 'cupboard love'). Which piece of evidence from animal studies of attachment provides the strongest challenge to the assumptions of this theory?

In their meta-analysis of cultural variations in attachment, van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988) investigated the distribution of attachment types across different countries.

Which of the following statements correctly identifies one of their primary findings regarding the variation between and within cultures?

Using your knowledge of Bowlby's maternal deprivation theory, explain how a lack of continuous emotional care during the critical period might lead to affectionless psychopathy and affect later adult relationships through the internal working model.

Part a: Briefly outline the findings of Harlow's research using rhesus monkeys in relation to attachment. (2 points)

Part b: Explain one ethical issue that arises from Harlow's animal study of attachment. (2 points)