Attachment: Explanation Of Attachment - Learning Theory

Question 1

What Is Learning Theory? (Apply To Attachment)

Answer 1

• Learning theory is a set of theories from the behaviourist approach that emphasise the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour.
• The basis for the learning of attachment is the provision of food.

Question 2

What Is Classical Conditioning? (Apply To Attachment)

Answer 2

• Classical conditioning is learning through association.

- Babies learn to associate the feeder with comfort of being fed.

Question 3

What Is Operant Conditioning? (Apply To Attachment)

Answer 3

• Operant conditioning is learning through reinforcement.

- Babies learn that certain behaviours bring desirable responses.

Question 4

Attachment As A Secondary Drive

Answer 4

• Learning theory also draws on the concept of drive reduction.
• Sears et al: Primary drive is hunger (innate biological motivator). Secondary drive is mother (attachment).

Question 5

Attachment By Classical Conditioning - Process

Answer 5

• Before Conditioning
  Food (unconditioned stimuli) –> Happy/ Comfort Baby (unconditioned response)
• During Conditioning
  Food (unconditioned stimuli) + Mother (neutral stimuli) –> Happy/ Comfort Baby (conditioned response)
• After Conditioning
  Mother (conditioned stimuli) –> Happy/Comfort Baby (conditioned response)

Question 6

Attachment By Operant Conditioning - Process

Answer 6

• If a behaviour results into an agreeable consequence it is likely to repeated.
• If a behaviour results into a disagreeable consequence it is likely to decline.
• If crying results into feeding, then the consequences are pleasant and crying is reinforced, escaping from an unpleasant stimulus is also agreeable so it is a reinforcer.
• Most carers dislike hearing a baby cry so the cessation of crying is a negative reinforcer encouraging carer to behave in such way that stops crying.
• Smiling by the child is very rewarding and therefore positive reinforcer so the carer behaves in such way to evoke smiling.