Explanations of attachment: Learning theory Flashcards
What does the learning theory suggest?
we can explain human behaviour through learned behaviour
little emphasis on cognition or emotion
What is classical conditioning?
learning to associate two stimuli together so that we begin to respond to one in the same way as we already responded to the other
describe the process of classical conditioning
unconditioned stimulus(food) = unconditioned response
neutral stimulus(mum)= no response
UCS + NS = no response
conditioned stimulus=conditioned response
Describe what is meant by the term ‘cupboard love’
infants associate primary caregivers with food, warmth, safety, so attachment is learned through association
What is meant by operant conditioning?
learning from the consequences of behaviour- if behaviour produces a pleasant consequence, that behaviour is likely to be repeated
What is suggested by the term Reinforcement?
behaviour is more likely to be repeated
What is suggested by the term Punishment?
behaviour is less likely to be repeated
What is meant by Positive reinforcement?
Something pleasant is given in response to behaviour
e.g baby cries- caregivers comfort- baby smiles
- so caregivers are more liekly to give comfort again
What is meant by negative reinforcement?
something unpleasant is taken away in response to behaviour
e.g baby cries- caregivers comfort- baby stops
- so caregivers are more likely to give comfort again in future
Is hunger a primary or secondary drive?
Primary- it is an innate biological motivation
we are motivated to eat, to reduce the hunger drive
Is attachment a primary or secondary drive?
Secondary- something that enables us to meet a need
we are motivated to attach to a caregiver to increase the ability to achieve basic needs
Supporting evidence of this theory (+)
Criticisms of this supporting evidence(-)
Opposing theories to this theory (-)
Application of this theory (+)
