10. Explanations Of Attachment: learning theory AO3

Question 1

Name a limitation of the learning theory

Answer 1

Human research shows feeding isn’t an important factor

Question 2

Outline research that shows feeding isn’t an important factor

Answer 2

Schaffer and Emerson showed for many babies primary attachment was not to the person who fed them - feeding isn’t key element - no UCS or primary drive involved - suggesting other factors are more important in formation of attachment

Question 3

If food doesn’t play a role in primary attachment what would be meaningless from the learning theory

Answer 3

There would be no such thing as UCS or primary drive

Question 4

Name a second limitation of the learning theory

Answer 4

Animal studies provide evidence against food as the basis of attachment

Question 5

How do animal studies provide evidence against food as the basis of attachment

Answer 5

Lorenz’s geese imprinted maintained attachments regardless of who fed them - Harlow’s monkeys attached to soft mother not one with milk - both studies show attachment didn’t develop as a result of feeding

Question 6

What can be concluded from evidence from animal studies agains food being the basis of attachment

Answer 6

Same must be true for humans as animals - food doesn’t create attachment bond - after all learning theorists believe non-human animals and humans are equivalent