LS5 - Learning Theory

Question 1

Learning Theory

Answer 1

Suggests all behaviour is learned as opposed to being innate, babies are like blank slates.

Question 2

Two Types Of Learning

Answer 2

Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning

Question 3

Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

Milk is an unconditioned stimulus providing an unconditioned response of hunger relief. The caregiver is the neutral stimulus, and eventually becomes the conditioned stimulus as they’re associated with milk. Therefore, the conditioned response from the mother is pleasure, creating attachment.

Question 4

Operant Conditioning

Answer 4

Milk provides a positive reinforcement (pleasure) and a negative reinforcement (removing hunger). The mother who provides the food becomes associated with removing discomfort and providing the pleasure, becoming a secondary reinforcement as they help the baby get the primary reinforcement (milk).

Question 5

Strengths

Answer 5

Elements Of Conditioning Could Lead To Attachment
Social Learning Theory

Question 6

Weaknesses

Answer 6

Animal Studies
Attachment Isn’t Based On Food
Ignores Other Factors

Question 7

Elements Of Conditioning Could Lead To Attachment (+)

Answer 7

Although it’s argued as an incomplete attachment explanation, it can explain why attachments happen e.g. food and comfort.

Question 8

Social Learning Theory (+)

Answer 8

Suggests modelling could be used to explain attachment, children observe parent’s affection and imitate it. Parents also tell their kids how to behave by rewarding good behaviour with kisses etc.

Question 9

Animal Studies (-)

Answer 9

Focuses on rats and dogs, in research which suggests our behaviour is similar to animals. This isn’t the case because human behaviour is more complex and is more involved with having conscious control.

Question 10

Atachment Isn’t Based On Food (-)

Answer 10

Lorenz showed imprinting could form attachments despite food not being involved, Harlow also showed that comfort was prioritised over food, and lots of babies don’t form a primary attachment with the person that fed them.

Question 11

Ignores Other Factors (-)

Answer 11

It focuses too much on conditioning in terms of food and pleasure, it ignores factors like interactional synchrony and reciprocity, which has nothing to do with food.