Learning Theory of Attachment

Question 1

Cupboard Love

Answer 1

• Dollard and Miller (1950)
• attachment learned through an association
  UCS: food - UCR: pleasure (+ NS: caregiver)

Question 2

Operant conditioning to attachment

Answer 2

• suggests learning is maintained through reinforcement
• drive theory reduction- animals have a drive to reduce discomfort
  the behaviour that reduces discomfort becomes reinforced

Question 3

what are the reinforcers?

Answer 3

• food becomes the primary reinforcer as it supplies the reward
• the person who supplies the food become associated and the secondary reinforcer
• attachment occurs because the child seeks the person who supplies the reward

Question 4

how does reinforcement occur?

Answer 4

• negative: baby crying is unpleasant so caregiver reduces this by feeding baby
• positive: fed baby makes mother feel happy as baby is happy

Question 5

strengths of this theory

Answer 5

Explanations can offer some understanding of aspects of attachment
- suggests infants form associations between caregiver and pleasure maintaining attachment
- plays key part in maintenance and continuity of behaviours

Question 6

limitations of this theory

Answer 6

Ignore other factors
- Schaffer and Emerson: attachment depends on who responds best to babies needs, not limited to food
Better alternative
- Bowlby’s theory it’s an evolutionary behaviour enhancing survival and protecting infants - can explain why, not just how we attach

Question 7

limitation: counter evidence

Answer 7

Counter evidence from animal research
- Harlow’s research showed contact comfort was more important than food in attachment
- challenges theory that attachment is association between caregiver and food