Attachment Key Terms

Question 1

Imprinting

Answer 1

An innate readiness to develop a strong bond with the mother that takes place during a specific time in development

Question 2

Classical conditioning

Answer 2

Learning through association. A neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 3

Operant conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through reinforcement

Question 4

Cultural variations

Answer 4

The way that different groups vary in terms of their social practices and the effects these practices have on development and behaviour

Question 5

Inter-cultural differences

Answer 5

Differences between countries

Question 6

Intra-cultural differences

Answer 6

Differences in findings within the same culture

Question 7

Deprivation

Answer 7

When an attachment is formed but broken

Question 8

Privation

Answer 8

When a child does not form any attachment at all

Question 9

Institutionalisation

Answer 9

When children are cared for by the state. Extended stays in institutions (children’s homes) are thought to alter behaviour due to the adoption of rules and norms of the institution.

Question 10

Disinhibited attachment

Answer 10

Type of insecure attachment seen in children who have been in institutionalised care - they show over-friendly behaviour towards strangers and a lack of selective attachment.