Attachment - learning theory

Question 1

What does learning theory refer to?

Answer 1

Behaviourism

Question 2

Ethology

Answer 2

the study of animals to generalise to humans in psychology

Question 3

cupboard love

Answer 3

babies learn to love whoever feeds them as a result of classical conditioning

Question 4

Dollard and Miller (classical conditioning)

Answer 4

baby associates pleasure from feeding with caregiver and becomes attached to them

Question 5

Dollard and Miller (operant conditioning)

Answer 5

when baby is distressed they seek out caregivers who they know will solve their distress (negative reinforcement)

Question 6

key predictions of learning theory in attachment

Answer 6

• child forms attachments based on feeding and discomfort
• attachment behaviour increases steadily from birth
• strongest attachment to those who feed child most

Question 7

how is reinforcement a two way process?

Answer 7

parents also get negative reinforcement as they stop the baby crying

Question 8

drive theory (sears et al - 1957)

Answer 8

hunger is an innate, primary drive, we are motivated to eat to reduce it. sears et al argued that caregivers giving food means that primary drive is generalised to them and they become attached

Question 9

evaluation of learning theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 9

+ face validity, makes intuitive sense
+ backed by lots of well-controlled research
- research is animal based not human
- environmentally reductionist, simplifies complex relationships to stimulus associations
- Harlow’s research rejects cupboard love theory
- alternate theories that don’t depend on learning theory