explanations of attachment: Learning theory Flashcards
What is the learning theory about
a set theories from the behaviourist approach to psychology that emphasises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour. Explanations for learning of behaviour include classical and operant conditioning
what does classical conditioning involve
learning to associate two stimuli together so that we begin to respond to one in the same way as we already respond to the other
what is the process of classical conditioning of attachment for food
food (unconditioned stimulus ) ——> Pleasure from being fed (unconditioned response) dont have to learn it
Caregiver (neutral stimulus) ——> No response
Food over time + caregiver associated with food (unconditioned + neutral stimulus ) ——-> Pleasure (unconditioned response)
Neutral stimulus becomes conditioned stimulus
Caregiver (conditioned stimulus ) ——-> Pleasure ( conditioned response )
what is operant conditioning
involves learning from the consequence of behaviour. If a behaviour produces a pleasant consequences that behaviour is likely to be repeated again
how is crying reinforcement a two way reinforcement?
at the same time as the baby is reinforced for crying, the caregiver receives negative reinforcement because the crying stops - escaping from something unpleasant is reinforcing . This strengthens an attachment
how does operant conditioning explain why babies cry for comfort
crying leads to response from the caregiver fro example feeding. As long as the caregiver gives the right response crying is reinforced. The babies then directs crying for comfort towards caregiver who responds with comforting social suppressor behaviour
what is a primary drive
hunger as it is an innate biological motivator. we are motivated to eat in order to reduce the hunger drive
what did Robert Sears et al say about secondary drive
suggested that as caregivers give food the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to them. Attachment is thus a secondary drive learned by an association between the caregiver and the satisfaction of a primary drive
what is a Strength
elements of conditioning may be involved in some aspects of attachment
Seems unlikely that association with foods play a central role in attachment but conditioning still play role. For example a baby may associate feeling warm and comfortable with the presence of a particular adult and this may influence the baby’s choice of their main attachment figure. This means that learning theory may still be useful in understanding the development of attachments
what is a counterpoint
both classical and operant conditioning explanations see the baby playing a relatively passive role in attachment development, simply responding to associations with comfort or reward. In fact research shows that babies take a very active role in the interactions that produce attachment
This means that conditioning may not be an adequate explanations of any aspect of attachment
