learning theory Flashcards
how does learning theory suggest attachments developed?
classical and operant conditioning
describe the explanation of classical conditioning in learning therapy
● baby has to learn to from attachment with mother
● by process of classical conditioning, baby forms an association between mother (neutral stimulus) feeling of pleasure that comes from being fed (innate, unconditioned response)
● at first baby simply feels comforted by food, the unconditioned stimulus
● each time they are fed, mother is there too
● so, they quickly associate mother with pleasure of being fed
● mother stimulates feeling of pleasure on her own, even without food
● means baby feels happier (conditioned response) when the mother is near
● beginning of an attachment
describe the explanation of negative reinforcement in learning therapy
● infant: if caregiver provides correct response, crying is reinforced (rewarded) as it has produced a pleasurable outcome
● caregiver: rewarded by infant smiling / being happy
describe the explanation of positive reinforcement in learning theory
● infant: thanks to caregiver, unpleasant situation has been removed (e.g. hunger)
● caregiver: by seeing to there infants needs, their crying stops which leads to removal of something unpleasant
