Learning theory

Question 1

Classical conditioning - definition

Answer 1

Learning through association

Question 2

Classical conditioning - example for attachment

Answer 2

Before conditioning - food begins as an unconditioned stimulus which releases an unconditioned response, pleasure, in the baby
The mother begins as the neutral stimulus
During conditioning - the unconditioned stimulus (food) is then paired with the neutral stimulus (mother)
After conditioning - the mother is now the conditioned stimulus who releases the conditioned response, pleasure, in the baby

Question 3

Classical conditioning - explanation

Answer 3

During an infants early weeks the mother is always present when the infant is fed. If the mother and food are regularly associated they will produce the same response in the infant

Question 4

Operant conditioning - definition

Answer 4

Learning through rewards and punishment

Question 5

Operant conditioning - example for attachment

Answer 5

When an infant is hungry the have a ‘drive’ to reduce this discomfort. Therefore, when they are fed, the drive is reduced and it is rewarding (negative reinforcement.)
Food then becomes the primary reinforcer because it supplies the reward. Then, through classical conditioning the mother becomes the secondary reinforcer as they are associated with avoiding discomfort. Attachment occurs because the infant seeks the person who can supply the reward.