Learning theory (explanations of attachment) Flashcards
burger for classical conditioning (learning theory, expl of attachment)
B: Classical conditioning suggests attachment forms through associations.
U: The infant learns to associate the mother (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus), leading to a conditioned response.
R: The mother becomes a source of pleasure as the infant associates her with the comfort of feeding.
G: Strength: This theory explains how repeated pairings can create attachment bonds.
E: Shows the importance of environmental influences in forming attachments.
R: Weakness: Studies like Harlow’s show that attachment is not solely based on food but also comfort.
burger for operant conditioning (learning theory, expl of attachment)
B: Operant conditioning explains attachment through rewards and reinforcement.
U: Feeding reduces hunger, which is rewarding for the infant, making food a primary reinforcer and the mother a secondary reinforcer.
R: The infant seeks proximity to the mother because she provides comfort and reduces discomfort.
G: Strength: Explains attachment in terms of the rewards associated with fulfilling the infant’s needs.
E: Highlights how rewarding interactions strengthen the infant-caregiver bond.
R: Weakness: Drive reduction theories struggle to explain attachments that aren’t linked to feeding, as seen in Harlow’s studies.
burger for social learning (learning theory, expl of attachment)
B: Social learning theory suggests attachment behaviors are learned through imitation.
U: Children observe and imitate their parents’ attachment behaviors, like seeking closeness and showing affection.
R: Supported by Hay and Vespo’s theory that children model behaviors seen in caregivers.
G: Strength: Accounts for how children learn attachment behaviors without direct reinforcement.
E: Suggests that attachment is influenced by social interactions and modeling.
R: Weakness: Doesn’t fully address why attachments form if not directly learned through rewards.
