Learning Theory of Attachment

Question 1

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

An infant will initially form an attachment with whoever feeds it
. Learn to associate the feeder (usually mother) with the comfort of being fed and through classical conditioning, comes to find contact with the mother comforting

Question 2

Operant Conditioning

Answer 2

Certain behaviours bring desirable responses from others and through the process of operant conditioning learn to repeat these behaviours to get the things they want

Positive Reinforcement = baby is rewarded for crying (feeding)

Negative reinforcement = attending to the baby makes the crying stop

Question 3

Secondary Drive Hypothesis

Answer 3

Combines classical and operant
. Explains how primary drives (food) which are essential for survival become associated with secondary drives (attachment)

Question 4

Evaluation

Answer 4

Harlows Monkeys = got attached due to comfort and not food