Learning theory

Question 1

Classical conditioning

Answer 1

attachment is formed by learning to associate the mother with the pleasure caused by food.

1. food (UCS). = pleasure (UCR)
2. food (UCS) + mother (NS) = pleasure (UCR)
3. mother (CS) = pleasure (CR)

Question 2

Operant conditioning

Answer 2

the child attaches itself to the mother as it is rewarded through food. Therefore, attachment behaviour is reinforced.
the child is encouraged to cry when it wants feeding. The mother continues to feed the child as it causes the child to stop crying. Therefore, crying & feeding are encouraged to lead to the removal of the unpleasant state of crying and hunger.

Question 3

Evaluation weakness: oversimplified

Answer 3

research on reciprocity and synchrony suggests attachments are formed by how the caregiver responds to their physical and emotional needs.

Question 4

Evaluation weakness: Harlow

Answer 4

he found that infant monkeys were more likely to attach to the fake monkey that provided comfort rather than food.

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: Schaffer & Emerson

Answer 5

found that 40% of attachments were not to the person who fed them. (rather played and stimulated them)

Question 6

Evaluation strength: still relevant as classical conditioning

Answer 6

still plays a role in the formation of attachments.