Learning Theory Of Attachment

Question 1

What is the Learning Theory of Attachment?

Answer 1

An approach to explaining why we form attachments that focuses on nurture - believes that children learn to associate parents with food, which is an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 2

What is ‘Cupboard love’?

Answer 2

The belief that children learn to love whoever gives them food (Dollard & Miller).

Question 3

What is Classical Conditioning in Attachment?

Answer 3

UCS (food) produces UCR (feeling of pleasure). Caregiver (NS) is paired with food (UCS) and is associated with UCS. NS becomes CS, and produces pleasure (CR).

Question 4

What is Operant Conditioning in Attachment?

Answer 4

Behaviours which bring the caregiver near (e.g. crying) are reinforced because produces caregiver response. Negative reinforcement – caregiver’s response also reinforced as crying stops.

Question 5

What is ‘Drive Reduction’?

Answer 5

Infants are driven to reduce hunger (a primary drive). Attachment is secondary drive learned by association of caregiver with hunger satisfaction.