Evaluate learning theories as an explanation of attachment. (8)

Question 1

Operant conditioning suggests children learn behaviour through reinforcement and punishment

Answer 1

O’Connor (2013) argues that children’s real-life experiences and exposure directly or indirectly shape behaviour, so their attachments can be learned

Question 2

According to classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimulus paired with a neutral stimulus produces a conditioned attachment response.

Answer 2

Learning theories often use artificial settings which lack ecological validity to form real life attachments

Question 3

Social learning theory would claim that children learn their behaviour from observing role models.

Answer 3

Bowlby (1944) would argue that attachment is an innate process of bonding not learning from role models.

Question 4

Young children learn in the context of the parent-child relationship and the family environment

Answer 4

Harris (1988) found that children raised by the same parents in the same homes are no more alike than if they had been raised separately.