Learning Theory of Attachment

Question 1

What approach does learning theory of attachment fall under?

Answer 1

Behaviourist (operant and classical conditioning)

Question 2

Describe how attachment forms with classical conditioning

Answer 2

• Unconditioned stimulus of food elicits unconditioned response of happiness from infant
• Neutral stimulus of PCG produces no response
• During conditioning PCG and food are continuously paired eliciting unconditioned response
• PCG now conditioned stimulus, alone elicits response of happiness

Question 3

Which drive is attachment and why?

Answer 3

Secondary drive; attachment forms bc of meeting a primary drive (hunger) and so it itself becomes a source of satisfaction

Question 4

How is operant conditioning involved in learning theory of attachment?

Answer 4

Positive reinforcement - infant cries —> caregiver responds; if this is a desired behaviour is positively reinforced
Negative reinforcement - infant cries —> caregiver responds by comforting infant; caregiver avoids negative consequence of baby crying