Learning Theory Flashcards
What does the learning theory propose?
-Learning theory proposes that attachments are learnt
-It suggests that babies learn to be attached to their caregiver through either classical conditioning and operant conditioning
Why is the learning theory, sometimes called the cupboard love theory of attachment?
You wish training over yet, I am emphasises the importance of the caregiver as a provider of food
What does the learning theory explain?
Caregiver infant interaction
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association
What can classical conditioning only be used to do?
Shape reflex behaviours
In the case of attachment, what becomes associated with who (classical conditioning)?
-The pleasure of food (UCS) becomes associated with the caregiver who feeds the infant (NS)
-through classical conditioning, this person becomes a source of pleasure even when there is no feeding
What has happened when the person becomes a source of pleasure, even when there was no feeding (through classical conditioning)?
The neutral stimulus (caregiver) has become a conditioned stimulus, and now the sight of the caregiver alone produces the condition of response of pleasure
what is the diagram of classical conditioning?
UCS—UCR
NS—NR
UCS + NS—UCR
CS—CR
What are two general criticisms of classical conditioning?
-Glaswegian babies
-Harlow
Who did the research for classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov (salivating dogs)
what does operant conditioning involve?
Learning through reinforcement
Who is operant conditioning explained by?
Dollard and Miller
What happens if a behaviour produces a pleasant consequence (operant conditioning)?
The behaviour is likely to be repeated
what is a primary drive in operant conditioning?
Hunger- infant feels uncomfortable, and will be driven to seek food to satisfy their hunger
what happens to the primary drive once the infant is fed? (operant conditioning)
The drive is reduced, and this produces a sense of pleasure ( a reward)
