3.3: The learning theory Flashcards
Briefly evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks)/Outline one criticism of learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks)
Feeding is not the key element to attachment
Briefly evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks)/Outline one criticism of learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks).
Feeding is not the key element to attachment.
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 (their grandparent, for instance)
Briefly evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks)/Outline one criticism of learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks).
Feeding is not the key element to attachment.
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 (their grandparent, for instance).
What appeared to be key to attachment?
Sensitive responsiveness appeared to be key to attachment
Briefly evaluate learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks)/Outline one criticism of learning theory as an explanation of attachment (4 marks).
Feeding is not the key element to attachment.
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 (their grandparent, for instance).
Sensitive responsiveness appeared to be key to attachment.
What does this suggest?
This suggests that the learning theory is not a valid explanation of attachment
Marion was born a few months ago and for all of her life has been looked after at home by her mum, who is very caring and loving towards her. Like most babies, Marion sleeps a lot, but when she is awake, she gets hungry easily and this makes her very grumpy, causing her to cry. When this happens, her mother always feeds her immediately and this soothes Marion and makes her feel very content.
With reference to the passage above, explain how Marion may develop an attachment to her mother in terms of operant conditioning (4 marks)
In terms of operant conditioning, which is based on the ‘law of effect’, where any action resulting in a pleasurable outcome will be repeated in similar circumstances, Manon would develop an attachment to her mother due to negative reinforcement
Marion was born a few months ago and for all of her life has been looked after at home by her mum, who is very caring and loving towards her. Like most babies, Marion sleeps a lot, but when she is awake, she gets hungry easily and this makes her very grumpy, causing her to cry. When this happens, her mother always feeds her immediately and this soothes Marion and makes her feel very content.
With reference to the passage above, explain how Marion may develop an attachment to her mother in terms of operant conditioning (4 marks).
In terms of operant conditioning, which is based on the ‘law of effect’, where any action resulting in a pleasurable outcome will be repeated in similar circumstances, Manon would develop an attachment to her mother due to negative reinforcement.
Why does this occur?
This occurs because Manon’s mother becomes associated with removing the unpleasant sensation of hunger, so that her mother becomes a source of reinforcement (reward) in herself
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks)
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
What is this?
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food.
What is there a drive reduction in relation to?
There is a drive reduction in relation to feeding and attachment
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food.
There is a drive reduction in relation to feeding and attachment.
What creates the attachment?
Classical conditioning creates the attachment
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food.
There is a drive reduction in relation to feeding and attachment.
Classical conditioning creates the attachment, how?
Classical conditioning creates the attachment, as the association of the caregiver (NS) with food (UCS) causes a conditioned response (CR) of pleasure
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food.
There is a drive reduction in relation to feeding and attachment.
Classical conditioning creates the attachment, as the association of the caregiver (NS) with food (UCS) causes a conditioned response (CR) of pleasure.
What strengthens the attachment?
Operant conditioning strengthens the attachment
Outline the learning theory explanation of attachment (4 marks).
The learning theory emphasises the importance of food in the formation of attachment - children love those who feed them.
This is ‘cupboard love,’ that children learn to become attached to their caregiver, because they give them food.
There is a drive reduction in relation to feeding and attachment.
Classical conditioning creates the attachment, as the association of the caregiver (NS) with food (UCS) causes a conditioned response (CR) of pleasure.
Operant conditioning strengthens the attachment, how?
Operant conditioning strengthens the attachment, as crying is positively reinforced by the caregiver and the caregiver receives negative reinforcement when crying stops
