Explanations for Attachment Flashcards
1
Q
what is the learning theory
A
it argues that infants form attachment to their primary caregivers because of food that they provide
2
Q
explain classical conditioning
A
- food is an unconditioned stimulus which produces an unconditioned response
- everytime the mother feeds the baby, the mother becomes associated with the pleasure of being fed and she becomes a conditioned stimulus
3
Q
whats positive reinforcement
A
when an action is repeated to get rewarded
4
Q
whats negative reinforcement
A
when an action is repeated to avoid feeling unpleasant
5
Q
whats operant conditioning
A
positive and negative reinforcement
6
Q
explain why learning theory has face validity
A
it makes sense that babies cry more when they realise and learn that when they cry they get fed
7
Q
how does Harlows research conflict against the learning theory
A
infant monkeys attached to the comfort mother rather than the food mother
- suggesting that attachment forms from comfort not food
