The Learning Theory

Question 1

What does the learning theory suggest?

Answer 1

That attachment is a result of operant and classical conditioning, learnt through the experience of the being fed by caregiver

Question 2

How does classical conditioning contribute to attachment?

Answer 2

Food is the UCS, the caregiver is NS and through repeated association the caregiver becomes a CS and the CR of happiness around the caregiver is formed.

Question 3

How does operant conditioning contribute to attachment?

Answer 3

• Positive reinforcement: When they stay near their caregiver, babies are reinforced by food
• Negative reinforcement: When they stay near their caregiver, babies are reinforced by reduced hunger

Question 4

What are the strengths of the learning theory?

Answer 4

• Dollard and Miller found that babies are fed over 2000 times, therefore this theory is believable because there is plenty of time to create association

Question 5

What are the limitations of the learning theory?

Answer 5

• Harlow’s monkeys contradict the learning theory, attachments are due to comfort not just food
• Metapelets in Israel feed children in communal care whilst their mums work, however children still form attachments with their caregivers (who show them love and affection) as opposed to foster mums who feed them