Expl- Learning Theory

Question 1

Learning theory as an explanations of attachment

Answer 1

A set of theories from the behaviourist approach to psychology that emphasise the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour

Question 2

Cupboard love theory

Answer 2

Focuses on the role of the caregiver providing food.

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

UCS (Food) = UCR (Pleasure)
UCS (Food) + NS (Mother) = UCR (Pleasure)
CS (Mother) = CR (Pleasure)

Question 4

Operant conditioning

Answer 4

+ R = food/attention is given.
- R = Primary Attachment Figure receives this when the crying stops.

Question 5

Attachment as a secondary drive

Answer 5

Attachment becomes a secondary drive through association with hunger

Question 6

Primary drive

Answer 6

• Innate, biological motivator.
• We are motivated to eat in order to reduce the hunger drive
• EG. Hunger

Question 7

Secondary drive

Answer 7

• Caregivers provide food, the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to them
• EG. Attachment

Question 8

What was Dollard and Miller’s theory of learning theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 8

• Proposed that caregiver-infant attachment can be explained by learning theory.
• Cupboard love theory
• Emphasises Importance of the attachment figure as a provider of food

Question 9

Learning theory evaluation points- Counter-evidence from animal studies

Answer 9

LIMITATION

Lorenz and Harlow showed that feeling is not the key to attachment

Question 10

Learning theory evaluation points- Counter-evidence from studies on humans

Answer 10

LIMITATION

Primary attachment figure not always person who does feeding (Schaffer and Emerson), quality of attachment related to interactional synchrony not feeding (Isabella)

Question 11

Learning theory evaluation points- Some conditioning may be involved

Answer 11

STRENGTH

Conditioning (association with comfort) may influence the choice of primary attachment figure