Discuss Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment. Refer to the critical period and internal working model in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain Bowlby’s monotropic theory accurately and then evaluate how well it explains attachment. Because the question specifically names the critical period and internal working model, both must be explained clearly. Stronger answers should also consider evidence for and against monotropy, whether the critical period is really fixed, and whether early attachment determines later relationships.
The current specification explicitly requires Bowlby’s monotropic theory, including the concepts of a critical period and an internal working model.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
As this is an original 16-mark discussion question without application, an appropriate allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of Bowlby’s monotropic theory is accurate and generally well detailed. The critical period and internal working model are clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, with research evidence and theoretical issues clearly related to the theory. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of Bowlby’s theory is evident but there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Both named concepts are addressed. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately, although some points may lack development. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of Bowlby’s theory is present. The critical period and/or internal working model may be insufficiently developed. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge is very limited or muddled. There may be confusion between Bowlby’s monotropic theory and his theory of maternal deprivation. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Monotropy
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Bowlby proposed that infants form attachments to caregivers, but one attachment has greater psychological importance than the others.
This special attachment is the monotropic attachment.
Other attachments can still form, so monotropy should not be confused with the claim that an infant can attach to only one person.
The main attachment provides an important basis for emotional development.
The quality of this early attachment contributes to the infant’s expectations about later relationships.
The distinction between Bowlby’s emphasis on monotropy and research identifying multiple attachments is represented in the specimen materials.
Critical period
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Bowlby proposed a critical period during which an infant is maximally ready to form an attachment.
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