Learning theory of attachment

Question 1

During classical conditioning, what does the baby associate together?

Answer 1

The baby begins to associate the mother and food together and the pleasurable feeling that the food gives them

Question 2

What is classical conditioning as a theory of attachment also known as?

Answer 2

Cupboard love theory

Question 3

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 3

Encouraging a behaviour to be repeated by giving a reward

Question 4

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 4

Anything which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated by using consequences that are pleasant when they stop

Question 5

What is a primary drive?

Answer 5

The innate, biological motivator

Question 6

What is a secondary drive?

Answer 6

The satisfaction of the primary hunger drive is associated with the caregiver

Question 7

What is an example of negative reinforcement?

Answer 7

Stopping a baby crying

Question 8

What is an example of positive reinforcement?

Answer 8

A baby cries because parent responds

Question 9

What are some counter evidence from animal reserahc against learning theory?

Answer 9

• Lorenz = we attach to the first moving thing that we see, not who feeds us
• Harlow = we attach for comfort, not who feeds us

Question 10

What are some counter evidence from human research against learning theory?

Answer 10

• Schaffer and Emerson = attach to mother, regardless of who feeds us
• Isabella et al = attach to those who we experience interactional synchrony

Question 11

What is a limitation of learning theory?

Answer 11

• Learning theory ignores other factors associated with forming attachments
• We can form attachments with those who provide warmth/comfort