learning theory

Question 1

AO1 -
behaviourist psychologists explain attachment as being learned through the environment via classical and operant conditioning

Answer 1

AO1 -
-Dollard suggests food forms the basis of learning theory and attachments
-cupboard love theory - suggest caregiver is important because they provide food and children learn to attach to whoever feeds them

Question 2

AO1-
-operant conditioning is the second theory connected with the learning approach
-based on the idea that an act that is rewarded will repeated
- an act that is punished will die out
- baby cries for comfort, they are rewarded by PCG with feeding they will repeat and build an attachment with PCG

Answer 2

AO1-
unconditioned stimulus = unconditioned response
being fed = pleasure
- PCG is the neutral stimulus being oared with food time and time again
- PCG is the conditioned response of pleasure
- infant learns to associate PCG with pleasure from food

Question 3

AO1 -
- drive reduction
- hunger is seen as primary biological drive, born in us
- primary drive of hunger becomes generalised therefore attachment Is secondary , learned by an association between the PCG and satisfaction on primary drive

Answer 3

AO3-
P: weakness, based on nurture
E: explain attachment by learning
E: believe behaviour is learned through classical/operant conditioning
L: ignores biological factors

Question 4

AO3 -
P: weakness, environmentally reductionist
E: reduce highly complex behaviour
E: ignores other reasons for attachment
L: to simple

Answer 4

AO3-
P: strength, can attach to any PCG
E: Other explanations suggest we only attach to mum
E: suggests we can attach to anyone who provides food
L: application to real world