Learning Theory: Explanation of attachment

Question 2

list the three features of this explanation

Answer 2

• cupboard love
• classical conditioning
• operant conditioning

Question 3

what is the cupboard love theory?

Answer 3

the theory which emphasises the importance of food when forming an attachment

Question 4

outline classical and operant conditioning in regards to a babies development

Answer 4

classical conditioning:
- the baby forms an attachment when it learns to associate two stimuli

operant conditioning:
- babies interactions reinforce and maintain the attachment

Question 5

outline a classical conditioning model of a baby associating the mother with food

Answer 5

Food (UCS) –> pleasure (UCR)
caregiver (NS) –> no response
food (UCS) + caregiver (NS) –> pleasure (UCR)
caregiver (CS) –> pleasure (CR)

Question 6

outline operant conditioning with a baby who is crying

Answer 6

1. baby cries leading to a response from parents
2. caregivers response correctly to babies behaviour, reinforcing it as a pleasurable consequence
3. negatively reinforcing crying

Question 7

what does Sears et al propose

Answer 7

Drive reduction:
eating reduced a hunger drive, translating to the attachment of the caregiver

Question 8

name a strength for this theory

Answer 8

• it involves conditioning, and it involves the caregivers with warmth and comfort
• BUT it does not include the involvement of babies

Question 9

name two limitations of the learning theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 9

• counter evidence:
  Harlow’s study, showed that in frightful situations they preferred comfort over food, choosing the cloth covered wire monkey.
• counter evidence:
  Schafer and Emersons research showed that babies did not attach to the person who merely fed them, which contradicts the cupboard love theory