explanations of attachment

Question 1

who introduced the learning theory of attachment

Answer 1

dollard and miller

Question 2

outline classical conditioning in attachment

Answer 2

learn to associate feeder with comfort of being fed and find contact with mother comforting

Question 3

outline operant conditioning in attachment

Answer 3

certain behaviours (e.g. crying) bring desirable responses from others (e.g. comfort) and learn to repeat behaviour to get things they want

Question 4

outline the second drive hypothesis in attachment

Answer 4

essential for first drive (food) so attachment occurs

Question 5

evaluate the explanations of attachment

Answer 5

C: Lorenz’ goslings imprinted on him before being fed and Harlow’s monkeys preferred cloth mother over wire mother
C: Schaffer and Emerson research showed babies didn’t become attached to whoever fed them most
C: learning theory only considered food as force behind attachment formation and quality- doesn’t consider other factors (reciprocity)-> explanation reductionist