Learning Theory

Question 1

2 Theories of attachment

Answer 1

1. Learning Theory
2. Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory

Question 2

Learning theory

Answer 2

• all behaviour is learned, not innate
• learn attachment because of food

Question 3

2 processes of learning for attachment in Learning Theory

Answer 3

Classical Conditioning + Operant Conditioning

Question 4

what is classical conditioning? + example

Answer 4

learning through ASSOCIATION
eg. Pavlov

Question 5

term: stimulus

Answer 5

an event that causes a response

Question 6

term: response

Answer 6

action made because stimulus detected

Question 7

term: innate

Answer 7

instinctive/ inborn

Question 8

term: conditioned

Answer 8

learned

Question 9

term: unconditioned

Answer 9

not learned, occurs naturally

Question 10

term: neutral

Answer 10

nothing associated with it

Question 11

classical conditioning applied to attachments

Answer 11

Being fed (UCS) gives us pleasure (UCR)
Caregiver starts as neutral stimulus
Caregiver provides food over time= becomes associated with food
Neutral stimulus-> conditioned stimulus
Conditioning done= caregiver produces conditioned response of pleasure
pleasure response= love, caregiver=attachment figure

Question 12

what is Operant Conditioning?

Answer 12

learning through CONSEQUENCES of behaviour

Question 13

3 types of Operant Conditioning

Answer 13

• negative reinforcement
• positive reinforcement
• punishment

Question 14

operant conditioning: negative reinforcement

Answer 14

if behaviour REMOVES something UNPLEASANT, likely to be repeated again

Question 15

operant conditioning: positive reinforcement

Answer 15

if behaviour PRODUCES PLEASANT CONSEQUENCE, likely to be repeated again

Question 16

operant conditioning: Punishment

Answer 16

if behaviour produces UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCE, less likely to be repeated again

Question 17

operant conditioning applied to attachment

Answer 17

when babies hungry= uncomfortable + cry
- caregiver provides correct response= crying reinforced
- Baby directs crying for comfort
- reinforcement 2-way process
- baby reinforced for crying=caregiver receives negative reinforcement
- mutual reinforcement strengthens attachment

Question 18

learning theory limitations (3)

Answer 18

1. lack of support from animal studies- harlows monkeys
2. other research- Schaffer + Emerson, Isabella
3. reductionist- doesnt consider more complex emotions in classical conditioning

Question 19

learning theory strength

Answer 19

• some conditioning may be involved in formation of attachment, highly likely conditioning contributes, still useful understanding development of attachments