Learning theory

Question 1

What is the key concept behind learning theory?

Answer 1

Cupboard love theory- Dollard and Miller (1950)

Question 2

Outline the classical conditioning aspect of learning theory.

Answer 2

Classical conditioning: learning by an association

The caregiver initially is neutral stimulus. When associated with food (unconditioned stimulus) over time the caregiver becomes a conditioned stimulus and the attachment is a conditioned response

Question 3

Outline the operant conditioning aspect of learning theory.

Answer 3

Operant conditioning: learning by punishment and reinforcement

Positive reinforcement for the baby– the baby cries and then receives food.

Negative reinforcement for the caregiver – the baby stops crying when the caregiver feeds it.

Attachment is a secondary drive (through association with hunger) food is a primary drive

Question 4

Evaluate learning theory for attachment

Answer 4

+ Some conditioning may be involved: Association with comfort may influence attachment with primary attachment figure. For example, the baby may associate the feeling of being warm and comfortable with the caregiver and this may influence the baby’s choice of their main attachment figure.

• Counterpoint: Too simplistic: Babies are more active and not passive. It has been suggested that quality of attachment is based on interactional synchrony or sensitive responsiveness (rather than linked to food). Social learning theory (SLT) might be a better explanation as parents model positive attachment behaviours such as kissing and hugging.
• Research from animals: Harlow showed food is not key to attachment because the rhesus monkeys preferred the cloth mother who provides comfort, even when it did not provide any food for the baby monkeys.

+ Counterpoint: cannot be generalised to humans. Learning processes in humans are more complex.