explanations of attachment learning theory

Question 1

what does the learning theory propose?

Answer 1

all behaviour is learned rather than innate

Question 2

classical conditioning

Answer 2

learning through association

NS paired with UCS and takes on its properties and produces a conditioned response

Question 3

example of classical conditioning with an infant?

Answer 3

mother (NS) pairs with the Food (UCS)

Question 4

Operant conditioning

Answer 4

learning through reinforcement

Question 5

how is negative reinforcement involved with operant conditioning?

Answer 5

infant fed - drive reduced (rewarding)

NR - escape from something unpleasant

Question 6

who is the primary and secondary reinforcer to the infant?

Answer 6

food - primary reinforcers

mother - secondary reinforcer

Question 7

weakness : based on animal studies

Answer 7

largely based on animal studies e.g. skinner

- not all human behaviour can be explained by conditioning - lack validity

Question 8

weakness : attachment is not based on food

Answer 8

e.g. Harlow demonstrated that contact comfort and emotional support is more significant when forming an attachment