Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the learning theory / what does it propose?
A behaviourist explanation that suggests that attachments develop through classical and/or operant conditioning
What do behaviourist believe?
At birth we are born with a tabula rasa (blank sheet) - all behaviour is learnt rather than innate
What is the learning theory also called?
‘cupboard love’
because it suggest babies only bond to ensure they are fed
What can classical conditioning also be called?
associative learning / paired learning
How can classical conditioning be used to explain attachment?
Before conditioning:
food —–> baby pleasure
(UCS) (UCR)
During conditioning:
Food + caregiver/mother —> baby pleasure
(UCS) (NS) (UCR)
After conditioning:
mother/caregiver ——> baby pleasure
(CS) (CR)
What did Skinner show?
That consequences of behaviour affect whether or not its shown again
What did skinner find?
If behaviour is reinforced - more likely we will repeat it
How can you apply Skinners research to attachment?
mother/caregiver becomes positive reinforcers as they provide baby w/ rewards e.g food, comfort
describe 1st stage of attachment for operant conditioning?
infant experiences hunger
discomfort drives infant to cry
describe 2nd stage of attachment for operant conditioning?
caregiver gives food
bringing comfort + pleasure
food is reward for crying
describe 3rd stage of attachment for operant conditioning?
mother = source of food (reward)
infant motivated to be w/ mother - forming attachment
why is the food the primary reinforcer?
the food causes the pleasure
why is the caregiver the secondary reinforcer?
they are the one bringing the food to the infant
- attachment occurs through this way
Where do we see positive reinforcement in operant conditioning in learning theory of attachment?
As long as caregiver brings food, the crying is reinforced
crying = positive reinforcement because baby knows to REPEAT crying behaviour for food (reward)
Where do we see negative reinforcement in operant conditioning in learning theory of attachment?
crying stops when being fed
caregiver giving food STOPS crying behaviour occurring
caregiver receives negative reinforcement
negative reinforcement = baby stops crying
