Explanations Of Attachment: Learning Theory Content

Question 1

How is the basis of learning theory studies of attachment a criticism?

Answer 1

Mostly based on animal studies. Behaviourists argue learning is same in all animals as we are constructed from same stimulus and response building blocks. Non-behaviourists argue attachment involves innate predispositions and mental activity that can’t be explained by conditioning

Therefore, behaviourists explanations of attachment lack validity as they present an oversimplified version of human behaviour

Question 2

What is the main limitation of learning theory of attachment?

Answer 2

. It suggests the feeding bond is most important in forming attachment (‘cupboard love’)
The learning explanation is oversimplified and ignores important factors such as contact comfort as seen in Harlow’s monkeys.

Harlow’s monkeys shows the importance of contact comfort over the feeding bond, and it is supported by Schaffer and Emerson’s research even though the study is conducted on animals.

Question 3

How does the learning theory of attachment admittedly have some explanatory power?

Answer 3

Infants do learn through association and reinforcement, but food may not be the main reinforcer/reward, as it could be attention and responsiveness from the caregiver.

This shows that learning their has some value but doesn’t provide a complete explanation of attachment as attachment is so complex

Question 4

How is the drive reduction theory in this theory of attachment limited?

Answer 4

It can’t explain all behaviours as many things people do have nothing to do with reducing discomfort. Some people even do things to increase discomfort, such as skydiving.

Drive reduction theory also doesn’t explain how secondary reinforcers work in not directly reducing discomfort but still reinforcing behaviour, such as money (we are motivated to do things when offered money)

Question 5

What is the better explanation to attachment?

Answer 5

Bowlby’s theory - explains why attachments form and not just how

Question 6

What factors does learning theory ignore?

Answer 6

Other factors associated with forming good attachments such as reciprocity and interactional synchrony (Isabella et al)

If attachment really was just based off cupboard love, there would be no need for these complex interactions as the primary caregiver would only need to provide food