Explanations of attachment: Learning theory Flashcards
What is the learning theory explanation of attachment?
Attachments are learnt, not innate
How can classical conditioning explain attachment?
There is an innate stimulus response link
In the classical conditioning explanation of attachment, what is the unconditioned stimulus?
Food
In the classical conditioning explanation of attachment, what is the unconditioned response?
Pleasure
In the classical conditioning explanation of attachment, what is the neutral stimulus?
The mother
In the classical conditioning explanation of attachment, what is the conditioned stimulus?
The mother
In the classical conditioning explanation of attachment, what is the conditioned response?
Pleasure
What is the operant conditioning explanation of attachment?
Drive reduction theory
What do infants have a drive to reduce?
The discomfort they feel when hungry
What principle explains drive reduction theory?
Negative reinforcement
In the drive reduction theory of attachment, what is the primary reinforcer?
Food
In the drive reduction theory of attachment, what is the secondary reinforcer?
The mother
What are the 4 AO3 points of the learning theory explanation of attachment?
1) Learning theory based on animal studies
2) Attachment is not based on food
3) Some explanatory power
4) Alternative explanation
Why do the findings of animal studies in general lack generalisability to humans?
Humans have much more complex brains (e.g. prefrontal cortex)
Why do the findings of animal studies into attachment lack generalisability to humans?
Attachment is an extremely complex behaviour
What is the main limitation of the learning theory explanation of attachment?
It assumes food is the key element in attachment formation
What did Harlow find about attachment that contradicts the learning theory explanation?
He found that the monkeys spent most of their time with the cloth mother - she provided contact comfort
What did Schaffer + Emerson find about attachment that contradicts the learning theory explanation?
They found that attachment formation was based on sensitive responsiveness
What reinforcers may be more important in attachment than food?
Attention and responsiveness from a caregiver
What is the alternative explanation to the learning theory explanation of attachment?
Bowlby’s monotropic theory
Why is Bowlby’s monotropic theory better than the learning theory explanation of attachment?
It can explain how and why attachments form
