Explanations of attachment - Learning Theory

Question 1

What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate learning theory as an exp of att?

Answer 1

• env reductionism
• RTC by Harlow
• RTC by Field

Question 2

P
(env reductionism)

Answer 2

• learning theory - criticism - env reductionism

Question 3

E

Answer 3

this is coz theory reduces complex human bhv of att down to simple basic units of learning to attach thru stimulus, response and ass.

Question 4

E

Answer 4

• this neglects a holistic approach which would take into account how a persons culture + social context woulld inf + exp att
• e.g. collectivist cultures work together to look after children so they may form multiple att, not just with who feeds them

Question 5

L

Answer 5

therefore - lacks val - doesnt exp bhv in context

Question 6

P
(RTC - Harlow)

Answer 6

RTC - Harlow - using animals

Question 7

E

Answer 7

harlow found that monkeys spent more time with the surrogate mother providing comfort rather than food

Question 8

E

Answer 8

this can be applied to humans as learning theory believes non humans and humans are equivalent

Question 9

L

Answer 9

therefore contradicting l.t assumptions that we learn to attach to the person who feeds us via ass, limiting l.t of att

Question 10

Counter argument
(animal bias)

Answer 10

However, harlow conducted this research on animals, therefore it may not be appr to gen findings to human att as humans may be more complex and sophisticated than animals, therefore limiting the extent harlows research can be used to criticise the l.t of att

Question 11

P
(RTC by Field)

Answer 11

However, there is also RTC the l.t of att studies on humans

Question 12

E

Answer 12

This is from research by field into the role of the father as he found the best quality att are with c.g that are responsive to infants needs rather than just feeding infant

Question 13

L

Answer 13

Therefore showing that feeding the infant is not the most important factor when forming an att as learning theory suggests