Explanations: Learning Theory

Question 1

What is the learning theory?

Answer 1

A psychological approach based on observing behaviour, according to yeh learning theory food is the thing that motivates a abby to form an attachment

Question 2

What did Dollard and Miller believe?

Answer 2

Attachment is learned through a process of conditioning

Question 3

What is classical conditioning?

Answer 3

When a person makes an association between a stimulus and a response

Question 4

How does classical conditioning work in terms of attachment?

Answer 4

UCS (bottle) —> UCR (happy)
UCS + NS (mother) —> UCR
CS (mother) —> CR (happy)

Question 5

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 5

Through a process of reinforcement (rewards and punishments)

Question 6

How does operant reinforcement work in terms of attachment?

Answer 6

The primary caregiver is positive reinforcement as they provide food; love and security. The baby will learn that if it cries the primary caregiver will appear and comfort it

Question 7

What did Dollard and Miller suggest about operant conditioning?

Answer 7

Attachment was due to drive reduction. Obtaining food or warmth provides reward for the child

Question 8

What are primary drives and primary reinforcers?

Answer 8

Hunger and cold (PD)
Food and warmth (PR)

Question 9

What is a secondary reinforcer?

Answer 9

The caregiver supplying the food and warmth as they become associated with it

Question 10

When does social learning happen?

Answer 10

When we learn through observing and imitating other people. Infants imitate behaviour they see in their primary caregivers such as expressing affection

Question 11

What are 3 evaluations points?

Answer 11

• Reductionist (reduce complex nature of attachment to one single factor, food)
• Deterministic (no free will, attach because of food)
• Harlow’s monkeys