Explanations of Attachement- Learning Theory Flashcards
What are the two learning theories?
Operant conditioning and classical conditioning
What is operant conditioning?
Learning by reinforcement
How does operant conditioning explain attachment?
The baby cries which is uncomfortable so the baby is fed which is a reward to relieve the hunger and the reward reinforces the action so the baby repeats this action
What is positive reinforcement?
The baby settles down and stops crying so it’s a reward for the baby
What is negative reinforcement?
The reward removes the crying for the parent and they are likely to repeat the feeding/cuddling when the baby cries next
What is the primary reinforcer and why?
The food because as the crying has produced a reward the baby learns to repeat the crying behaviour
What is the negative reinforcer and why?
The mum because as the feeding removes the crying the parent the parent learns to feed and cuddle the baby
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by association
Explain the process of classical conditioning in forming an attachment
In step 1, the food which is the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) gives the baby pleasure which is the unconditioned response (UCR). In step 2, the mother which is the neutral stimulus (NS) and the food, UCS, gives the baby pleasure which is the UCS. In step 3, the mother which is the conditioned stimulus (CS) gives the baby pleasure which is the conditioned response (CR)
Who conducted the first price of research on the learning theory?
Schaffer and Emerson
What did Shaffer and Emerson do and find?
60 infants in Scotland were studied longitudinally and observed once a month from birth to 12 months then again at 18 months. They also collected parent diaries. They found that 40% of babies did not form their first attachment with their primary caregivers, therefore criticising the idea of forming an attachment with the person who feeds you. This suggests other factors are more important than food
Who conducted the second research onto the learning theory?
Harlow
What did Harlow find?
The monkeys preferred comfort over feeding and this shows that the addition of food does not necessarily lead to an attachment
What is a limitation of the learning theory?
Conditioning best explains the learning of simple behaviours but attachments are more complex behaviours so therefore this casts doubt on the theory
