Discuss one learning theory of attachment as an explanation of Vanessa and Julius’s behaviour. You must make reference to the context in your answer. (8)

Question 1

Operant conditioning states that attachment between a mother and baby will develop due to positive and negative reinforcement.

Answer 1

Julius has become attached to his mother Vanessa as she is reinforcing him with her behaviour such as when she sings to him, which he enjoys.

Question 2

Positive reinforcement is when the baby receives something they like from an adult so they are more likely to attach to the adult.

Answer 2

Julius is picked up by his mother when he has a specific type of crying, which acts as a positive reinforcement as he wants to be picked up at that point in time.

Question 3

• Positive reinforcement can be primary, such as being fed, or can be secondary which does not satisfy a basic need but allows them to gain access to the basic need, such as the adult who feeds the child.

Answer 3

Vanessa becomes a secondary reinforcer as she allows Julius to gain the primary reinforcer of food as she is the parent who feeds Julius which is why the attachment has developed.

Question 4

Negative reinforcement is the removal of something unpleasant that the baby does not like which will lead to the baby becoming attached.

Answer 4

The attachment between Julius and Vanessa has developed because she is a source of negative reinforcement when she removes the discomfort of having a dirty nappy.