Learning theory Flashcards
Who studied the cupboard love theory ?
Dollard and Miller
What does the theory state (basic) ?
That attachment occurs through 2 processes:
- classical conditioning
- operant conditioning
What is classical conditioning ?
Learning to associate two stimulus’ together so that we begin to respond to the one in in the way we respond to the other:
Unconditioned stimulus (food) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
Neutral stimulus (caregiver) = no response
Unconditioned (food) + neutral stimulus (caregiver) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
Conditioned stimulus (caregiver) = conditioned response (pleasure)
What is drive reduction ?
learning theory also looks at this concept.
Primary drive = hunger
Secondary drive = attachment as caregiver gives babies food. Then associates PCG of relief when eating
What is operant conditioning ?
Learning consequences of behaviour
Positive reinforcement: repeating behaviour to avoid something unpleasant
Negative reinforcement: Completing a behaviour to avoid something unpleasant .
Punishment = an unpleasant consequence of behaviour
What are some examples of operant conditioning ?
- when a baby cries for comfort and is then fed = positive reinforcement
- The caregiver avoids the crying by responding to the infant = negative reinforcement
What is a limitation of learning theories ?
- Lack of support from animal studies: Harlows study said that the Moneys preferred the comfort of a parent rather than the food that the parent offered
- Lack of support from human babies: Schaffer and Emerson say that the baby was most attached to the mother regardless of who usually fed them
What is a strength of learning theories ?
Some elements of the condition could involve attachment. It seems unlikely food plays a role but conditioning does
E.g warmth and comfort of a mother