explanations of attachment - Learning theory

Question 1

learning theory

Answer 1

a set of theories in the behaviourist approach that emphasize the role in learning in acquisition of behaviour
can include classical and operant conditioning

Question 2

classical conditioning

Answer 2

learning by association - putting two stimuli together so that the response will be the same for both things (neutral –> conditioned)

Question 3

classical conditioning within the learning theory

Answer 3

the caregiver is a neutral stimulus and food is an unconditioned stimulus. - caregiver provides food, over time, the caregiver becomes a conditioned stimulus, producing a conditioned response

Question 4

operant conditioning

Answer 4

learning from the consequences of behaviour.
positive reinforcement - repeating an action as it has gained a positive response
negative reinforcement - behaviour that results in a punishment is much less likely to be repeated

Question 5

operant conditioning within the learning theory

Answer 5

positive reinforcement - when a baby cries it is rewarded with food, causing it to repeat its behaviour
negative reinforcement - infant cries to avoid not getting any food and avoid the consequences of hunger

Question 6

what is the primary drive for a baby

Answer 6

hunger
innate, biological motivator

Question 7

why is attachment a secondary drive

Answer 7

Sears (1957)
caregivers provide food and the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to them .
this causes hunger to become a secondary drive learned by association with the caregiver and the satisfaction of its primary drive

Question 8

evaluation of explanations of attachment - learning theory

Answer 8

+ elements of conditioning could be involved of some aspects of attachment
- classical and operant see the baby having a passive role in attachment - conditioning may not be appropriate

+practical application - the use of operant conditioning can help babies general behaviour especially in development.
- lack of support from studies involving human babies - Schafer and Emmerson found that babies form primary attachment w/ mother even if she didnt feed

+empirical support - backed by the behaviourist approach which is well established - increases validity
- counter evidence from animal studies - lorenz geese imprinted on the first ppl they saw - harlows monkey attached to the towel not the feeder