The learning theory of Attachment

Question 1

What is a behaviourist approach?

Answer 1

• All behaviour is learnt from the environment/ it is not innate.
• Learnt through conditioning without the need for thoughts or feelings.
• Learning occurs through classical and operant conditioning.

Question 2

What is an evolutionary approach?

Answer 2

• Behaviours which are seen today can be explained by their adaptive importance to our early ancestors.
• We evolved with our behaviours
  through natural selection.
• Part of the biological approach.

Question 3

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 3

Involves shaping behaviour and explains attachment in terms of negative reinforcement. This suggests that re moving an unpleasant stimulus (hunger drive) will lead to an increase in a given behaviour. In terms of positive reinforcement reward increases the likelihood of a given behaviour and rewarding a behaviour increased the likelihood of it being repeated (e.g. rewarding behaviour with food). This suggests that food is the primary reinforcer and the provider is the secondary reinforcer (who eventually becomes a source of reward on their owned and the attachment is maintained).

Question 4

How does learning theory explain attachment? (3 marks)

Answer 4

Learning theory explains attachment in terms of classical conditioning, which suggests that good is the basis of attachment therefore is a “cupboard live” theory. Classical conditioning suggests that when the infants carer, who is the neutral stimulus, presents an unconditioned stimulus (food) it brings about an unconditioned response of pleasure from the infant. The more the carer presents the unconditioned stimulus (food) they will become associated with the food so eventually they will bring about a pleasurable response on their own, becoming a conditioned stimulus, leading to attachment.

Question 5

Evaluate the Learning Theory in terms of Schaffer and Emerson’s research.

Answer 5

Research involving human participants found that the infants weren’t necessarily attached to just their primary attachment figure. Learning theory oversimplifies behaviour- attachment may be a complex process that involves more than just food.

Question 6

Evaluate the learning theory in terms of drive reduction theory.

Answer 6

• Can only explain a limited amount of behaviours.
• People do things by choice to increase discomfort for a rush of adrenaline (bungee jumping).
• Secondary reinforcers do not directly reduce discomfort.

Question 7

Evaluate the learning theory in terms of Harlow’s research.

Answer 7

• Non- human animals were used so findings can’t be generalised.
• Differences in cognitive behaviour between non- human animals and humans.