Learning Theory Of Attachment

Question 1

Classical conditioning in attachment- A01

Answer 1

Before conditioning: food (UCS), comfort/pleasure (UCR), caregiver (NS)

During conditioning: caregiver + food (NS+UCS), comfort/ pleasure (UCR)

After conditioning: caregiver (NS has become CS), comfort/ pleasure (CR)

Question 2

Operant conditioning in attachment- A01
Positive reinforcement?

Answer 2

Baby cries- caregiver gives reward (eg food)
Reinforces baby crying as gets what wants
Physical contact encourage attachment bond

Question 3

Operant conditioning in attachment- A01
Negative reinforcement?

Answer 3

Baby crying=unpleasant
Caregiver tries to stop crying physical contact given which encourages attachment
Contact behaviours will be repeated

Question 4

Supporting Ao3- scientific explanation

Answer 4

Founded in scientific, established theory.

Dollard and Miller- found infants fed about 2000 times in 1st year and carer becomes associated with removal of hunger- support operant conditioning ideas

BUT:
Theories are founded in animal research- not a complex as humans- too reductionist- fails to consider emotional nature

Question 5

Contradictory Ao3- Schaffer and Emerson

Answer 5

Found caregiver that gives most attention usually most attached to. Sensitive responsiveness

Refutes because not person that feeds them but person who most sensitive to their needs

Question 6

Contradictory Ao3- harlow

Answer 6

Experimented with attachments formed between rhesus monkeys and surrogate mothers- spend more time with comfort mother

Refutes- suggests findings of the monkeys should be spend more time with food mother

Question 7

Contradictory A03 counter argument Harlow

Answer 7

Attachment unlikely to reflect human relationships because attachment in infant monkeys is different. Biological differences as our bond is more complex than the bond with monkeys