Learning theory of attachment Flashcards
Outline the assumptions of the learning theory of attachment.
-Babies are born as blank slates.
-All behaviour is learned from our environment.
-All behaviour including attachment is learnt through operant and classical conditioning.
Define classical conditioning.
Learning by association.
Define operant conditioning.
Learning by consequence.
Outline classical conditionings role in attachment.
Food acts as an unconditioned stimulus and being fed gives us pleasure (an unconditioned response).
The baby’s caregiver will provide no response from the baby before conditioning.
Babies will be provided food by their caregiver (a neutral stimulus) which will produce a pleasure response and this means that the baby will begin to associate the food and feelings of pleasure with their caregiver.
This means an attachment has been formed and the caregiver is now an attachment figure.
Outline operant conditionings role in attachment.
If behaviour produces a pleasant consequence, then behaviour will be repeated. (Positive reinforcement)
Negative reinforcement will also cause behaviour to be repeated.
However, if behaviour produces a negative consequence (punishment), then the behaviour is less likely to be repeated.
What is cupboard love?
Cupboard love emphasises the importance of an attachment figure as they provide food for the baby and this is why an attachment forms.
Give a strength of the learning theory of attachment (application)
Elements of conditioning may be involved in some aspects of attachment. For example, it seems unlikely that food plays a central role in attachment but conditioning may still play a role. For example, a baby may associate feeling warm and comfortable with a particular adult and this may influence a baby’s choice on its main attachment figure. Therefore, the learning theory may still be useful in understanding the development of attachments.
Give a limitation of the learning theory of attachment (contradictory evidence- animal)
For example, animal studies such as Harlows baby monkey study. In Harlows study there is no support for the importance of food as when given a choice, baby monkeys displayed attachment behaviour to a cloth ‘comfort’ mother as opposed to a wire mother who provided food.
This therefore decreases the value of the learning theory.
Give a limitation of the learning theory of attachment (human research to contradict)
For example, Schaffer and Emerson found that in their study babies tended to form their main attachment to their mother regardless of wether she was the one who fed the baby or not. Also, Isabella er Al found high levels of interactional synchrony predicted the quality of attachment rather than food. This suggests that food is not the main factor in the formation of human attachments.
Give an example of positive reinforcement in attachment behaviours.
For example, if a hungry infant cries for food and the caregiver reacts and feeds them, then discomfort is reduced and feelings of pleasure are produced (positive reinforcement).
Given an example of negative reinforcement
A baby will associate crying with food and comfort from the caregiver and repeat this behaviour (negative reinforcement as they are avoiding something unpleasant.
Food is now a primary reinforcer as this reduced discomfort and the caregiver is the secondary reinforcer as they supply the food that reduces discomfort.
