learning theory

Question 1

who proposed learning theory for attachment?

Answer 1

Dollard and Miller (1950)

Question 2

what is classical conditioning?

Answer 2

learning to associate two stimuli together so that we begin to respond to one in the same way we already respond to the other

Question 3

how does classical conditioning apply to attachment?

Answer 3

unconditioned stimulus- food
unconditioned response- pleasure
caregiver starts as neutral stimulus producing neutral response
as caregiver provides food over time, associated with it and becomes conditioned stimulus producing conditioned response of pleasure
attachment formed

Question 4

what is operant conditioning?

Answer 4

learning to repeat a behaviour, or not, depending on its consequences

behaviour produces pleasurable consequences- repeated and positively reinforced

Question 5

how does operant conditioning operate in attachment?

Answer 5

infants cry for comfort
crying- response from caregiver (e.g. feeding)- positively reinforced so infant repeats
caregiver receives negative reinforcement- crying stops

interplay of mutual reinforcement strengthens attachment

Question 6

drive reduction

Answer 6

hunger is a primary drive- innate biological motivator (motivated to eat to reduce)

Sears- as caregivers provide food, satisfaction of primary drive becomes generalised to them
attachment is a secondary drive- learned by this association