attachment - learning theory Flashcards

1
Q

learning theory - AO1
classical conditioning

A
  • unconditioned stimulus = MILK
  • unconditioned response = PLEASURE
  • automatic response NOT LEARNT
  • feeder = NEUTRAL STIMULUS
  • infant learns to associate feeder + milk + pleasure
  • through repetition of feeding
  • feeder becomes CONDITIONED STIMULUS
  • produces pleasure = CONDITIONED RESPONSE
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

learning theory - AO1
operant conditioning

A
  • operant conditioning explains why babies cry for comfort

POSITVE REINFORCEMENT
- baby hungry, cries for food
- caregiver responds e.g. feeding
- positive reinforcement as baby rewarded with food
- crying behaviour reinforced

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT
- baby hungry, cries for food
- caregiver responds
- negative behaviour of crying removed
- feeding behaviour reinforced

  • mutual reinforcement
  • strengthens attachment
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Criticism - AO3
environmental reductionism

A

P - criticised
- environmental reductionism

E - complex human behaviour
- reduced down to simple basic units
- e.g. stimuli, response, associations help us learn to attach

E - selects holistic approach
- takes into account culture and social context
- how this could influence attachment
- e.g. collectivist cultures form multiple attachments from the outset, not just with feeders

L - lacks external validity
- does not allow us to understand behaviour in context

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Research to contradict - AO3
Harlow

COUNTER ARGUEMENT

A

P - research to contradict LT
- Harlows monkeys

E - Harlow found monkeys spent more time with surrogate mother who provided comfort rather than food
- suggesting comfort is more important in building attachment

E - same must be true for humans
- learning theorists believed humans and non-humans equivalent

L - contradicting LT which suggets we attach through stimuli, response, associations
- limiting LT

COUNTER ARGUEMENT
- conducted on monkeys
- difficult to generalise to humans
- limting extent to which Harlows research can be used to contradict

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Research to contradict - AO3
Schaffer and Emerson
Field (role of father)

A

P - research to contradict
- schaffer and Emerson

E - found that infants mostly attach to mother regardless if she was feeder
- responsiveness and interactions more important

E - moreover field in role of father
- found best quality attachments = those responsive and sensitive to childs needs

L - suggests other factors important in building attachment
- not food like learning theory suggests

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly