Attachment: Explanations Of Attachment - Learning Theory

Question 1

What is the learning theory

Answer 1

• set of theories from the behaviourist approach to psychology, emphasises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour

Question 2

What did dollard and miller propose about caregiver infant attachment

Answer 2

• can be explained by the learning theory
• their approach is referred to as a ‘cupboard love’ as it emphasises the importance of of the caregiver as a provider of food

Question 3

Outline the role of classical conditioning in caregiver infant attachments

Answer 3

• involves learning to associate two stimuli together
• in attachment, food is the unconditioned stimulus, being fed gives us pleasure, this is unconditioned response
• a caregiver is initially a neutral stimulus
• being associated with food turns caregiver into a conditioned stimulus

Question 4

Outline the role of operant conditioning in caregiver infant attachments

Answer 4

• involves learning to repeat behaviour, or not, depending on its consequences
• operant conditioning can explain why babies cry for comfort - crying leads to a response from the caregiver (like feeding)
• this reinforces the behaviour of crying
• the caregiver also receives negative reinforcement because the crying stops

Question 5

Outline attachment as a ‘secondary drive’ according to the learning theory of attachment

Answer 5

• hunger is a primary drive - it is innate and a ‘biological motivator;’
• sears et al - suggested that, by providing food, the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to the caregiver

Question 6

What are the three evaluation points for the learning theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 6

• counter evidence form animal research
• counter evidence form human research
• ignores other factors associated with forming attachments

Question 7

Outline ‘counter evidence form animal research’ as an evaluation point for the learning theory as an explanation for attachment

Answer 7

• animal studies show young animals do not necessarily attach (or imprint) on those who feed them
• Harlows monkeys attached to a cloth mother as opposed to the wire mother that fed them

Question 8

Outline ‘counter evidence form human research’ as an evaluation point for the learning theory as an explanation for attachment

Answer 8

• feeding does not appear to be an important factor in humans
• Schaffer and Emerson - many babies developed a primary attachment to their biological mother even those other carers did most of the feeding
• implies there is not unconditioned stimulus/ primary drive involved

Question 9

Outline ‘ignores other factors associated with forming attachments’ as an evaluation point for the learning theory as an explanation for attachment

Answer 9

• research suggests the quality of attachment is associated with factors like developing reciprocity and good Interactional synchrony
• also, best quality attachments are with sensitive carers
• if attachment developed primarily as a result of feeding, these interactions would be useless