A - Learning theory of attachment

Question 1

what does the cupboard love theory look like

Answer 1

mother(NS) –> no response
food(UCS) + mother (NS) –> happiness(UCR)
mother(CS) –> happiness (CR)

Question 2

what are the three components of operant conditioning

Answer 2

positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment

Question 3

what is the cupboard love theory based of

Answer 3

Pavlov’s dogs research

Question 4

how does operant conditioning strengthen the mother’s feeding behaviour

Answer 4

mother is negatively reinforced by removing the babies crying so feeding behaviour is strengthened

Question 5

how does operant conditioning strengthen a babies crying behaviour

Answer 5

baby is negatively reinforced by removing their hunger so the crying behavior is strengthened as it causes them to be fed - primary drive is hunger

Question 6

strengths of the cupboard love theory

Answer 6

• the evidence is it is based on is lab based e.g. Pavlov dogs - control of variables
• SLT suggests an alternative explanation - learn through imitation

Question 7

limitations of the cupboard love theory

Answer 7

• Schaffer and Emerson’s research suggests it is quality of time not quantity of time that leads to attachment formation
• the learning theory is reductionist: based of behaviourist approach which ignores biology and cognition