Learning theories in attachment Flashcards
What did Dollard and Miller propose about classical conditioning in attachment?
Dollard and Miller (1950) proposed that caregiver – infant attachment can be explained by learning theory. They stated that children learn to love whoever feeds them through the process of classical conditioning.
When the caregiver (NS) provides food (UCS) this creates pleasure (UCR) and over time they become associated with food.
When the infant sees the caregiver they expect food. So the NS becomes the conditioned stimulus as the caregiver produces please which is a conditioned response.
What did Dollard and Miller propose about operant conditioning in attachment?
Dollard and Miller (1950) explained the application of operant conditioning to attachment as ‘drive reduction theory’.
A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour.
Discomfort= a drive to reduce discomfort
Hungry infant= a drive to reduce hunger
Hunger is a primary drive as it is innate and natural.
Sears et al: as the caregiver provides food to relieve hunger, this feeling is generalised to them.
Attachment is therefore a secondary drive learned by an association between a caregiver and the satisfaction of hunger (the primary drive).
What are 3 evaluation points for learning theories in attachment?
- Counter-evidence from animal research
- Counter-evidence from human research
- Learning theory ignores other factors associated with forming attachments
