Learning Theory Of Attachmet n

Question 1

Who proposed the learning theory of attachment

Answer 1

Dollard and miller 1950s

Question 2

What is the Learning theory of attachment referred to

Answer 2

Cupboard of love theory

Question 3

What does it focus upon

Answer 3

The idea of food and being fed allowing for attachment to occur

Question 4

how many times is a child fed in a year by a primary caregiver

Answer 4

2000

Question 5

How does attachment occur

Answer 5

Via classical and operant conditioning

Question 6

what is the cupboard love theory

Answer 6

• Emphasises importance of caregiver as a provider of food
• Children learn to love whoever provides food.

Question 7

What is classical conditioning

Answer 7

• When caregiver provides food over time through association
• Baby expects food when they see a person.
• Learning theorists see this conditioned pleasure response as love, attachment is formed and the caregiver becomes the attachment figure

Question 8

What is operant conditioning

Answer 8

OPERANT CONDITIONING
• If a behaviour results in reward it is likely to be repeated/ if it results in punishment it is likely to decline
• If crying results in feeding - crying is reinforced
• Most carers find crying unpleasant so crying is a negative reinforcer encouraging the carer to behave in such a way that the child stops crying

Question 9

Cons to ltoa

Answer 9

• Counter evidence form animal studies: Harlow- Rhesus monkeys need contact comfort and if lacked would be severe consequences e.g. aggressive behaviour
• Suggests that comfort is significant for babies - may struggle to form later attachments.

• Counter evidence from human studies: Schaffer + Emerson found that babies attach to their mother at 7 months (measured by separation anxiety)
• Babies do form attachments to their mothers based on love and affection
• Ignores other factors associated with forming attachments e.g. environmental factors