Learning Theory of A Flashcards
What principle are the learning theories based on?
The principal that all behaviour is learnt
What are the 3 different learning theories?
- Classical Conditioning Explanation of A
- Operant Conditioning Explanation of A
- Social Learning theory Explanation of A
In the Classical conditioning Explanation of A, how is an A formed?
-Through the associations formed over time
At birth: mother = NS - Innate stimulus-response
Food = UCS = pleasure = UCR
Overtime baby associates food + mother + pleasure = the mother now the provider of pleasure = CS so child’s response due to mother = CR
-This bond = A
What is the Operant Conditioning Explanation of A based of the idea of as suggested by Dollard and Miller?
- Operant conditioning + “Drive reduction” theory
- Drive is something that motivates behaviour
- +tive and -tive reinforcers
- With respect to A, behaviours both enjoy developed because of their individual reinforcements
What is a example of Operant Conditioning?
- baby Xp displeasure (nappy needs changing) = drive to reduce discomfort (crying)
- When nappy changed, drive reduced = feeling of pleasure (+tive reinforcement) ∴ more likely to repeat behaviour as it was rewarding
- When baby stops crying after feeding ect = -tive reinforcer as uncomfortable situation stopped
- When baby cries again, mother learnt giving baby relevant attention reduces her discomfort
What is social learning theory a further development of?
Learning theory by Bandura
What did Hay + Vespo suggest that modelling could be used for? (Social learning theory)
Used to explain A behaviours
- proposed children observed parent’s affectionate behaviours and imitate this
- parent deliberately instruct children how to behave in a relationship + reward appropriate A behaviors eg: kisses/ hugs
What does learning theory suggest is the key element in the formation of A but research by Harlow + Schaffer + Emerson suggested to be not true?
- Food
- H: infant rhesus monkeys A to comfort “mother” + ran to comfort “mother” when frightened suggesting food “mother” not a haven of safety
- SE: 39% babies don’t attach to physical feeder = A not based on feeding but on instinctive process or other rewards (attention?)
- Food not the only way to develop A
What did Schaffer and Emerson find that supports the idea that food is not the only way to develop A?
39% babies don’t attach to physical feeder = A not based on feeding but on instinctive process or other rewards (attention?)
What did Harlow find that supports the idea that food is not the only way to develop A?
infant rhesus monkeys A to comfort “mother” + ran to comfort “mother” when frightened suggesting food “mother” not a haven of safety
What are the advantage of Bowlby’s Monotropic theory as an alternative explanation of how an A is formed?
- Can explain why A is formed, L theory can only explain how
- B: offers advantages of A: protection from harm thus A developed as an adaptive behaviour which would enhance social survival
- B: better explanation of research findings EG Schaffer and Emerson findings infants not always strongly A to person who feed them but to those with greater adaptive value
∴ L theory of A appears simple + naive
Who do infants attach to as suggested by Schaffer and Emerson?
Those with a greater adaptive value - could be those who feed them or not.
What is ignored by the L theory of A suggesting that A may be instinctual?
Evolution shapes instinct through genes, which in turn shape behaviours through hormones
What research by Galbally et al and Gray et al supports the notion that A may be instinctual as women and men have a biological instinct to A?
Ga: mothers at birth = high levels of oxytocin - associated with feeling love, explain mothers instinct to love child?
Gr: Fathers w/ lower testosterone and higher prolactin levels = gentler w/ child
-Q’s L theory assumption parents and babies do not love each other at birth
