3.3: Learning theory Flashcards
What are 2 explanations for attachment?
2 explanations for attachment are:
- The learning theory
- Bowlby’s monotropic theory
What is the learning theory also known as?
The learning theory is also known as behaviourism
Learning theory
The learning theory is the belief that attachments develop through conditioning processes
How many types of learning theory apply to the development of attachments?
2 types of learning theory apply to the development of attachments:
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning occurs when a response produced naturally by a certain stimulus becomes associated with another stimulus that is not normally associated with that particular response
Classical conditioning: Unconditional stimuli (UCS)
Unconditional stimuli (UCS) is something that naturally causes you to respond in some way (unconditioned response or UCR)
Classical conditioning: Neutral stimulus (NS)
Neutral stimulus (NS) is a stimulus that you feel fairly natural towards
Classical conditioning: Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Conditioned stimulus (CS) is something that:
1. You would not normally respond to
,but
2. Since being paired with an unconditioned stimuli (UCS), makes you respond in a certain way (conditioned response or CR)
Classical conditioning:
How attachments form because of classical conditioning:
Before learning: Food (UCS) = What?
Before learning: Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR)
Classical conditioning:
How attachments form because of classical conditioning:
Before learning: Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
During learning: Mother (NS) + Food (UCS) = What?
During learning: Mother (NS) + Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR)
Classical conditioning:
How attachments form because of classical conditioning:
Before learning: Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
During learning: Mother (NS) + Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
After learning: Mother (CS) = What?
Mother (CS) = Pleasure (CR)
Classical conditioning:
How attachments form because of classical conditioning:
Before learning: Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
During learning: Mother (NS) + Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
After learning: Mother (CS) = Pleasure (CR).
After several paired presentations of food and the caregiver, what does the infant learn to do?
After several paired presentations of:
1. Food
2. The caregiver
,the infant learns to associate pleasure solely with the caregiver
Classical conditioning:
How attachments form because of classical conditioning:
Before learning: Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
During learning: Mother (NS) + Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR).
After learning: Mother (CS) = Pleasure (CR).
After several paired presentations of food and the caregiver, the infant learns to associate pleasure solely with the caregiver, without any need for what?
After several paired presentations of:
1. Food
2. The caregiver
,the infant learns to associate pleasure solely with the caregiver, without any need for food
There are 2 main types of learning - Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning is learning by what?
Classical conditioning is learning by association
There are 2 main types of learning - Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning is learning by association and people are more likely to do what?
Classical conditioning is learning by association and people are more likely to repeat the behaviour
There are 2 main types of learning - Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning is learning as a result of what?
Operant conditioning is learning as a result of the consequences of your actions
There are 2 main types of learning - Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning is learning as a result of the consequences of your actions and people are less likely to do what?
Operant conditioning is learning as a result of the consequences of your actions and people are less likely to repeat the behaviour
Who (what year) was classical conditioning first investigated by?
Classical conditioning was first investigated by Pavlov (1927)
Classical conditioning was first investigated by Pavlov (1927), who looked at what?
Classical conditioning was first investigated by Pavlov (1927), who looked at dogs
The learning theory:
How do we arrive in the world?
We arrive in the world a blank state
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
What isn’t innate?
- Learning
- Attachment
isn’t innate
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
Learning and attachment isn’t innate.
We learn how to behave and respond because of what?
We learn how to:
1. Behave
2. Respond
because of how we are brought up
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
Learning and attachment isn’t innate.
We learn how to behave and respond because of how we are brought up, nothing is what?
We learn how to:
1. Behave
2. Respond
because of how we are brought up, nothing is innate
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
Learning and attachment isn’t innate.
We learn how to behave and respond because of how we are brought up, nothing is innate.
Who demonstrated that we can learn to respond with fear?
Watson and Raynor demonstrated that we can learn to respond with fear
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
Learning and attachment isn’t innate.
We learn how to behave and respond because of how we are brought up, nothing is innate.
Watson and Raynor demonstrated that we can learn to respond with fear (what)?
Watson and Raynor demonstrated that we can learn to respond with fear (conditioning)
The learning theory:
We arrive in the world a blank state.
Learning and attachment isn’t innate.
We learn how to behave and respond because of how we are brought up, nothing is innate.
Watson and Raynor demonstrated that we can learn to respond with fear (conditioning).
What does this do?
This supports the learning theory
Who carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment?
Watson carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment
Watson carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment.
At first, what was Albert not afraid of?
At first, Albert was not afraid of:
1. A burning newspaper
Or,
2. A white rat
Watson carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment.
At first, Albert was not afraid of a burning newspaper or a white rat, but then becomes afraid not only of the white rat, but what?
At first, Albert was not afraid of a burning newspaper or a white rat, but then becomes afraid:
1. Not only of the white rat
,but
2. All furry things
Watson carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment.
At first, Albert was not afraid of a burning newspaper or a white rat, but then becomes afraid not only of the white rat, but all furry things.
Albert never had the fear before and so was what?
Albert never had the fear before and so was conditioned into a fear of white rats
Watson carried out the ‘Little Albert’ experiment.
At first, Albert was not afraid of a burning newspaper or a white rat, but then becomes afraid not only of the white rat, but all furry things.
Albert never had the fear before and so was conditioned into a fear of white rats.
Why did Albert learn to associate white fluffy things with fear?
Albert learned to associate white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made
How can you link classical conditioning to attachment?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them what?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them pleasure
How can you link classical conditioning to attachment?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them pleasure and so why do they gain an attachment figure?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver:
- Which gives them pleasure
- So they gain an attachment figure, because that attachment figure is associated with pleasure
How can you link classical conditioning to attachment?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them pleasure and so they gain an attachment figure, because that attachment figure is associated with pleasure.
Who said that a baby gains pleasure from feeding and learns to associate the caregiver with the pleasure gained from feeding and therefore becomes attached?
Dollard and Miller said that a baby:
- Gains pleasure from feeding and learns to associate the caregiver with the pleasure gained from feeding
- Therefore becomes attached
How can you link classical conditioning to attachment?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them pleasure and so they gain an attachment figure, because that attachment figure is associated with pleasure.
Dollard and Miller said that a baby gains pleasure from feeding and learns to associate the caregiver with the pleasure gained from feeding and therefore becomes attached.
This is a concept also known as what?
This is a concept also known as the cupboard love theory
How can you link classical conditioning to attachment?
Infants associate feeding/comfort with their primary caregiver, which gives them pleasure and so they gain an attachment figure, because that attachment figure is associated with pleasure.
Dollard and Miller said that a baby gains pleasure from feeding and learns to associate the caregiver with the pleasure gained from feeding and therefore becomes attached.
This is a concept also known as the cupboard love theory, why?
This is a concept also known as the cupboard love theory, because when you open a cupboard/fridge, you know there’s food in there, so it gives you pleasure
Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
What is operant conditioning based on?
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect’
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where what?
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where any action that has a pleasurable outcome will be repeated again in similar circumstances
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where any action that has a pleasurable outcome will be repeated again in similar circumstances.
What are pleasurable outcomes known as?
Pleasurable outcomes are known as reinforcements
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where any action that has a pleasurable outcome will be repeated again in similar circumstances.
Pleasurable outcomes are known as reinforcements, why?
Pleasurable outcomes are known as reinforcements, because they strengthen the behaviour, making it more likely to occur again
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where any action that has a pleasurable outcome will be repeated again in similar circumstances.
Pleasurable outcomes are known as reinforcements, because they strengthen the behaviour, making it more likely to occur again.
Positive reinforcements involve receiving something pleasurable for performing a certain behaviour, while negative reinforcements involve not receiving something non-pleasurable for performing a certain behaviour.
Therefore, attachments occur through caregivers becoming associated with doing what?
Therefore, attachments occur through caregivers becoming associated with reducing the unpleasant feeling of hunger (a negative reinforcement)
Operant conditioning is learning occurring via reinforcement of behaviour.
Operant conditioning is based on the ‘Law of Effect,’ where any action that has a pleasurable outcome will be repeated again in similar circumstances.
Pleasurable outcomes are known as reinforcements, because they strengthen the behaviour, making it more likely to occur again.
Positive reinforcements involve receiving something pleasurable for performing a certain behaviour, while negative reinforcements involve not receiving something non-pleasurable for performing a certain behaviour.
Therefore, attachments occur through caregivers becoming associated with reducing the unpleasant feeling of hunger (a negative reinforcement), so that the caregiver becomes a source of what themselves?
Therefore, attachments occur through caregivers becoming associated with reducing the unpleasant feeling of hunger (a negative reinforcement), so that the caregiver becomes a source of reinforcement (reward) themself
The learning theory sees attachments as forming due to what?
The learning theory sees attachments as forming due to an association being developed between:
- Mother
- Feeding
Cupboard love theory
The cupboard love theory is the belief that attachments are formed with people who feed infants
Operant conditioning:
If behaviour is rewarded, we are more likely to do what?
If behaviour is rewarded, we are more likely to repeat it
Operant conditioning:
If behaviour is rewarded, we are more likely to repeat it.
If our behaviour is ‘reinforced,’ it makes it more likely that we will repeat that behaviour.
For example, if a baby boy cried in the middle of the night, he would know that he would get to sleep with his mum and dad in their bed, rather than alone in his cot, so what would he do?
For example, if a baby boy cried in the middle of the night, he would know that he would get to sleep with his mum and dad in their bed, rather than alone in his cot, so he would do it again
Operant conditioning:
For example, a baby cries and the caregiver gives the baby attention.
What does the baby learn?
The baby learns that every time it cries, it gets a positive response from carers
Operant conditioning:
For example, a baby cries and the caregiver gives the baby attention.
The baby learns that every time it cries, it gets a positive response from carers.
Why are the carers reinforced?
The carers are reinforced, because they are able to stop the crying
Operant conditioning:
Who (what year) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment?
Skinner (1938) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment
Operant conditioning:
Skinner (1938) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment.
What did a rat do?
A rat moved around a cage
Operant conditioning:
Skinner (1938) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment.
A rat moved around a cage.
When the rat accidently pressed a lever, what happened?
When the rat accidently pressed a lever, food was released (a reinforcer)
Operant conditioning:
Skinner (1938) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment.
A rat moved around a cage.
When the rat accidently pressed a lever, food was released (a reinforcer).
What did the rat learn to do?
The rat learned to press the lever to release food
Operant conditioning:
Skinner (1938) performed the ‘Skinner Box’ experiment.
A rat moved around a cage.
When the rat accidently pressed a lever, food was released (a reinforcer).
The rat learned to press the lever to release food.
If food stopped coming when the lever was pressed, after a few times what happened?
If food stopped coming when the lever was pressed, after a few times it was abandoned (extinction)
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so what is the cessation of crying?
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to do what?
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying.
What is very rewarding?
Smiling at the child is very rewarding
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying.
Smiling at the child is very rewarding and is therefore a what?
Smiling at the child is:
- Very rewarding
- Therefore a positive reinforcer
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying.
Smiling at the child is very rewarding and is therefore a positive reinforcer, so the carer behaves in such a way as to do what?
Smiling at the child is:
1. Very rewarding
2. Therefore a positive reinforcer
,so the carer behaves in such a way as to evoke smiling
Operant conditioning:
Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry, so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer, encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying.
Smiling at the child is very rewarding and is therefore a positive reinforcer, so the carer behaves in such a way as to evoke smiling.
In these ways, what is formed between a carer and a child?
In these ways, an attachment bond is formed between a:
- Carer
- Child
Who (what year) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory?
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of:
- Attachment
- The ‘drive’ reduction theory
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
What is a ‘drive?’
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce what?
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
What drive does a hungry infant have?
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Why does attachment happen?
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is something that rewards behaviour
Positive reinforcement is something that rewards behaviour.
Example
For example, a baby crying causes the caregiver to feed them, so the crying behaviour is useful, because it reduces hunger
Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is when a response switches off something unpleasant
Negative reinforcement is when a response switches off something unpleasant.
Example
For example, the sound of a baby crying is unpleasant for its mother
Negative reinforcement is when a response switches off something unpleasant.
For example, the sound of a baby crying is unpleasant for its mother, so what will the mother attempt to do?
For example, the sound of a baby crying is unpleasant for its mother, so the mother will attempt to stop the baby crying by:
1. Feeding
2. Comforting
it
Negative reinforcement is when a response switches off something unpleasant.
For example, the sound of a baby crying is unpleasant for its mother, so the mother will attempt to stop the baby crying by feeding and comforting it.
What does the parent learn to do to stop the crying?
The parent learns to:
1. Feed
2. Cuddle
the baby to stop the crying
The learning theory sees attachments as forming due to an association being developed between mother and feeding.
What should attachment behaviour do from birth?
Attachment behaviour should increase steadily from birth
The learning theory sees attachments as forming due to an association being developed between mother and feeding.
Attachment behaviour should increase steadily from birth.
Who will the strongest attachments be with?
The strongest attachments will be with those who feed the child the most
Who (what year) argued that in their first year, babies are fed how many times?
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times, generally by their main carer, which creates ample opportunity for what?
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times, generally by their main carer, which creates ample opportunity for the carer to become associated with the removal of the unpleasant feeling of hunger
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times, generally by their main carer, which creates ample opportunity for the carer to become associated with the removal of the unpleasant feeling of hunger, a form of what?
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times, generally by their main carer, which creates ample opportunity for the carer to become associated with the removal of the unpleasant feeling of hunger, a form of negative reinforcement
Dollard and Miller (1950) argued that in their first year, babies are fed 2,000 times, generally by their main carer, which creates ample opportunity for the carer to become associated with the removal of the unpleasant feeling of hunger, a form of negative reinforcement.
What does this give support to?
This gives support to the idea that attachments are learned through operant conditioning
Who (what year) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent)?
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent)
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent).
What does this suggest?
This suggests that feeding is not the main requirement for forming attachments
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent).
This suggests that feeding is not the main requirement for forming attachments, as who suggest?
This suggests that feeding is not the main requirement for forming attachments, as the behaviourists suggest
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent).
This suggests that feeding is not the main requirement for forming attachments, as the behaviourists suggest.
What appeared to be key to attachment?
Sensitive responsiveness appeared to be key to attachment
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent).
This suggests that feeding is not the main requirement for forming attachments, as the behaviourists suggest.
Sensitive responsiveness appeared to be key to attachment.
What does this do?
This goes against the learning theory
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
When was the drive reduction theory very popular?
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer what?
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, why?
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours - there are many things that people do that have nothing to do with what?
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours - there are many things that people do that have nothing to do with reducing discomfort
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours - there are many things that people do that have nothing to do with reducing discomfort.
The drive reduction theory also does not adequately explain what?
The drive reduction theory also does not adequately explain how secondary reinforcers work
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours - there are many things that people do that have nothing to do with reducing discomfort.
The drive reduction theory also does not adequately explain how secondary reinforcers work.
Example
For example, money is a secondary reinforcer
Dollard and Miller (1950) explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment and the ‘drive’ reduction theory.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
For example, a mother has a drive to reduce discomfort.
A hungry infant has a drive to reduce hunger.
Attachment happens, because the child seeks out the person who supplies the reward.
Evaluation:
The drive reduction theory was very popular in the 1940s, but it is no longer used by psychologists, because it can only explain a limited number of behaviours - there are many things that people do that have nothing to do with reducing discomfort.
The drive reduction theory also does not adequately explain how secondary reinforcers work.
For example, money is a secondary reinforcer.
In itself it does not reduce discomfort, but yet we know what?
In itself it does not reduce discomfort, but yet we know that money is:
- Motivating
- Therefore a reinforcer
Evaluation:
An alternative, better theory was proposed by who?
An alternative, better theory was proposed by Bowlby
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that what, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment?
Evidence suggests that:
1. Warmth
2. Comfort
,rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against what?
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against the:
1. Behaviourist
2. Psychodynamic
cupboard love theories
Evaluation:
Learning theory is based on what research?
Learning theory is based on animal research
Evaluation:
Learning theory is based on animal research.
What do behaviourists believe?
Behaviourists believe that humans are no different from animals in terms of how they learn
Evaluation:
Learning theory is based on animal research.
Behaviourists believe that humans are no different from animals in terms of how they learn.
They believe that our behavioural patterns are constructed from the same what?
They believe that our behavioural patterns are constructed from the same building blocks of:
- Stimulus
- Response
Evaluation:
Learning theory is based on animal research.
Behaviourists believe that humans are no different from animals in terms of how they learn.
They believe that our behavioural patterns are constructed from the same building blocks of stimulus and response and that is it therefore legitimate to do what?
They believe that:
- Our behavioural patterns are constructed from the same building blocks of stimulus and response
- It is therefore legitimate to generalise from animal studies
Evaluation:
Learning theory is based on animal research.
Behaviourists believe that humans are no different from animals in terms of how they learn.
They believe that our behavioural patterns are constructed from the same building blocks of stimulus and response and that is it therefore legitimate to generalise from animal studies.
What do non-behaviourists argue?
Non-behaviourists argue that attachment involves innate:
1. Predispositions
2. Mental activity
that could be explained in terms of conditioning
Metapelets
Metapelets are specially trained, full-time carers of newborn children
Metapelets are specially trained, full-time carers of newborn children, allowing mothers to do what?
Metapelets are specially trained, full-time carers of newborn children, allowing mothers to work
Metapelets are specially trained, full-time carers of newborn children, allowing mothers to work, although some time is spent with who?
Metapelets are specially trained, full-time carers of newborn children, allowing mothers to work, although some time is spent with parents
Who (what year) studied attachment bonds between mothers, babies and metapelets on Israeli communal farms?
Fox (1977) studied attachment bonds between: 1. Mothers 2. Babies 3. Metapelets on Israeli communal farms
Fox (1977) studied attachment bonds between mothers, babies and metapelets on Israeli communal farms.
Generally, children were more attached to who than metapelets?
Generally, children were more attached to their mothers than metapelets
Fox (1977) studied attachment bonds between mothers, babies and metapelets on Israeli communal farms.
Generally, children were more attached to their mothers than metapelets.
Why does this suggest that the learning theory is invalid?
This suggests that the learning theory is invalid, because the metapelets did the majority of the feeding
Evaluation:
Conditioning best explains the learning of simple behaviours, but attachments are more what behaviours with an intense what component?
Conditioning best explains the learning of simple behaviours, but attachments are more complex behaviours with an intense emotional component
Evaluation:
Conditioning best explains the learning of simple behaviours, but attachments are more complex behaviours with an intense emotional component.
This, coupled with what, casts doubt on the learning theory?
This, coupled with the fact that attachments develop with people who do not feed babies, casts doubt on the learning theory
Evaluation:
Who (what year) commented that ‘cupboard love’ theories put things the wrong way round?
Schaffer (1971) commented that ‘cupboard love’ theories put things the wrong way round
Evaluation:
Schaffer (1971) commented that ‘cupboard love’ theories put things the wrong way round.
Babies do not do what, but what?
Babies do not:
1. ‘Live to eat’
,but
2. ‘ Eat to live’
Evaluation:
Schaffer (1971) commented that ‘cupboard love’ theories put things the wrong way round.
Babies do not ‘live to eat,’ but ‘eat to live,’ thus they what?
Babies do not ‘live to eat,’ but ‘eat to live,’ thus they:
1. Actively seek stimulation
,not
2. Passively receive nutrition
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against the behaviourist and psychodynamic cupboard love theories.
Who (what year) argued that babies only need food occasionally, but constantly require the emotional security that closeness to an attachment figure provides?
Bowlby (1973) argued that babies:
1. Only need food occasionally
,but
2. Constantly require the emotional security that closeness to an attachment figure provides
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against the behaviourist and psychodynamic cupboard love theories.
Bowlby (1973) argued that babies only need food occasionally, but constantly require the emotional security that closeness to an attachment figure provides.
What does this suggest?
This suggests that:
1. Food
2. Therefore the learning theory
is not the main reason for formation of attachments
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against the behaviourist and psychodynamic cupboard love theories.
Bowlby (1973) argued that babies only need food occasionally, but constantly require the emotional security that closeness to an attachment figure provides.
This suggests that food and therefore the learning theory is not the main reason for formation of attachments.
What probably do play a part in helping form attachments?
- Conditioning
- Reinforcement through feeding
probably do play a part in helping form attachments
Evaluation:
Evidence suggests that warmth and comfort, rather than food, is more important in nurturing an attachment and provided scientific evidence against the behaviourist and psychodynamic cupboard love theories.
Bowlby (1973) argued that babies only need food occasionally, but constantly require the emotional security that closeness to an attachment figure provides.
This suggests that food and therefore the learning theory is not the main reason for formation of attachments.
Conditioning and reinforcement through feeding
probably do play a part in helping form attachments, but as Bowlby says, they’re not what?
- Conditioning
- Reinforcement through feeding
probably do play a part in helping form attachments, but as Bowlby says, they’re not the main reason
Evaluation:
Behaviourist explanations are reductionist, as they do what?
Behaviourist explanations are reductionist, as they explain complex behaviours in the simplest way possible
Evaluation:
Behaviourist explanations are reductionist, as they explain complex behaviours in the simplest way possible.
When explaining attachments as simply down to feeding, what does the learning theory not consider?
When explaining attachments as simply down to feeding, the learning theory does not consider:
1. Internal cognitive (mental) processes
Or,
2. The emotional nature of attachments
Evaluation:
What is there from animal research?
There is counter-evidence from animal research
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
What did Lorenz’s geese study show?
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they:
- Imprinted before they were fed
- Maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they imprinted before they were fed and maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them.
What does this show?
This shows that actually young animals do not necessarily attach to (or imprint on) those who feed them
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they imprinted before they were fed and maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them.
This shows that actually young animals do not necessarily attach to (or imprint on) those who feed them.
Furthermore, what did Harlow’s research on deprived monkeys demonstrate?
Furthermore, Harlow’s research on deprived monkeys demonstrated that separated infant rhesus monkeys would show attachment behaviours towards a:
1. Cloth-covered surrogate mother when frightened
,rather than
2. Food-dispensing surrogate mother
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they imprinted before they were fed and maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them.
This shows that actually young animals do not necessarily attach to (or imprint on) those who feed them.
Furthermore, Harlow’s research on deprived monkeys demonstrated that separated infant rhesus monkeys would show attachment behaviours towards a cloth-covered surrogate mother when frightened, rather than a food-dispensing surrogate mother.
What does this show?
This shows that ‘contact comfort’ was of more importance to the monkeys than food when it came to attachment behaviour
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they imprinted before they were fed and maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them.
This shows that actually young animals do not necessarily attach to (or imprint on) those who feed them.
Furthermore, Harlow’s research on deprived monkeys demonstrated that separated infant rhesus monkeys would show attachment behaviours towards a cloth-covered surrogate mother when frightened, rather than a food-dispensing surrogate mother.
This shows that ‘contact comfort’ was of more importance to the monkeys than food when it came to attachment behaviour.
In both of these animal studies, what is clear?
In both of these animal studies, it is clear that attachment does not develop as a result of feeding
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from animal research.
Lorenz’s geese study showed that they imprinted before they were fed and maintained these attachments regardless of who fed them.
This shows that actually young animals do not necessarily attach to (or imprint on) those who feed them.
Furthermore, Harlow’s research on deprived monkeys demonstrated that separated infant rhesus monkeys would show attachment behaviours towards a cloth-covered surrogate mother when frightened, rather than a food-dispensing surrogate mother.
This shows that ‘contact comfort’ was of more importance to the monkeys than food when it came to attachment behaviour.
In both of these animal studies, it is clear that attachment does not develop as a result of feeding.
The same must be true for humans - that what?
The same must be true for humans - that food does not create the attachment bond
Evaluation:
What is there from human research?
There is counter-evidence from human research
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from human research.
Research with human infants also shows that feeding does not appear to be an important factor in what?
Research with human infants also shows that feeding does not appear to be an important factor in humans
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from human research.
Research with human infants also shows that feeding does not appear to be an important factor in humans.
Example
For example, Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent)
Evaluation:
There is counter-evidence from human research.
Research with human infants also shows that feeding does not appear to be an important factor in humans.
For example, Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that 39% of the babies in their study formed their attachment with someone other than the person who fed them (for example, their grandparent).
Why is this finding a problem for the learning theory?
This finding is a problem for the learning theory, because it shows that:
- Feeding is not the key element to attachment
- So there is no unconditioned stimulus or primary drive involved
Evaluation:
Behaviourist explanations are reductionist, as they explain complex behaviours in the simplest way possible.
When explaining attachments as simply down to feeding, the learning theory does not consider Internal cognitive (mental) processes or the emotional nature of attachments.
The learning theory ignores other factors such as what?
The learning theory ignores other factors such as:
- Personality
- Culture
- Social factors
- Family situation
- Environment
Evaluation:
Behaviourist explanations are reductionist, as they explain complex behaviours in the simplest way possible.
When explaining attachments as simply down to feeding, the learning theory does not consider Internal cognitive (mental) processes or the emotional nature of attachments.
The learning theory ignores other factors such as personality, culture, social factors, family situation and environment, all of which can do what?
The learning theory ignores other factors such as: 1. Personality 2. Culture 3. Social factors 4. Family situation 5. Environment ,all of which can influence attachment
Evaluation:
Research into early infant-caregiver interaction suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with factors like what?
Research into early infant-caregiver interaction suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with factors like:
- Developing reciprocity
- Good levels of interactional synchrony
Evaluation:
Research into early infant-caregiver interaction suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with factors like developing reciprocity and good levels of interactional synchrony (for example what)?
Research into early infant-caregiver interaction suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with factors like:
1. Developing reciprocity
2. Good levels of interactional synchrony
(for example Meltzoff and Moore, 1997 and Isabella et al, 1989)
Evaluation:
Research into early infant-caregiver interaction suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with factors like developing reciprocity and good levels of interactional synchrony (for example Meltzoff and Moore, 1997 and Isabella et al, 1989).
As well as this, studies have shown that the best quality attachments are with sensitive carers that pick up infant signals and do what?
As well as this, studies have shown that the best quality attachments are with sensitive carers that:
- Pick up infant signals
- Respond appropriately
