Attachment: Learning theory Flashcards
Classical conditioning
Behaviour is learnt when we associate two stimuli together and then respond to them in the same way
Neutral stimulus
A stimulus that does not automatically gain a response
Unconditioned stimulus
A stimulus that automatically gains a response
Unconditioned response
An automatic response that does not need to be learnt
Conditioned stimulus
A stimulus that a person has learned to respond to
Conditioned response
A learned response to a stimulus
Classical conditioning as an explanation of attachment
At first the caregiver is a neutral stimulus; they caregiver does not produce an immediate response
Food serves as an unconditioned stimulus; this means the baby is automatically pleased by food
When the baby has food, it feels happiness and comfort; this is an unconditioned response
The same caregiver provides the food over time; this person becomes the conditioned stimulus and the baby starts to expect food when they see this person
Eventually the baby starts to associate the caregiver with pleasure, so the caregiver produces a conditioned response of pleasure; this means an attachment has formed
Operant conditioning
Behaviour is learnt due to reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
When behaviour produces a pleasant response it is likely to be repeated
Negative reinforcement
When behaviour produces an unpleasant response it is likely to stop
Operant conditioning as an explanation of attachment
The baby cries for comfort or a need to be fulfilled, e.g. food
Crying leads to a response from the caregiver
The baby can stop crying when its needs are fulfilled, e.g. it is fed (negative reinforcement)
In the future, the baby directs its needs to this caregiver - it has an attachment to the caregiver
This is a two-way process because the mother’s negative feelings from the crying sounds have been reduced, which strengthens the attachment
Attachment as a secondary drive
Drive reduction is another concept within learning theory
Hunger is a primary drive that we seek to reduce naturally
Because the caregiver provides food, attachment becomes a secondary drive that is learnt when the baby is fed
Strengths of learning theory
Learning theory can be used to explain attachment, but in a different way. Association between the primary caregiver and the comfort they provide could be what builds attachment - learning theory is broader than it first seems and can be consistent with other research studies
Weaknesses of learning theory
Harlow and Lorenz’ studies show comfort is more important than food
Schaffer and Emerson’s study showed that babies attached to their mother regardless of who fed them the most
Learning theory ignores other factors which are not based on feeding, for example reciprocity and comfort - it is too simplistic
