Explanations of attachment - The learning theory

Question 1

What assumptions are made by the learning theory?

Answer 1

Attachment behaviours are learnt through the environment and are a result of nurture rather than nature

Question 2

What is learning to attach via classical conditioning?

Answer 2

Food automatically satisfies a baby’s need and causes pleasure. The mother usually provides this source of pleasure. Because this process is constantly repeated the caregiver becomes a source of pleasure in themselves and an attachment is formed.

Question 3

What is the diagram for attachment via classical conditioning?

Answer 3

Before - unconditioned stimulus (food) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
Neutral stimulus (caregiver) = no response
During - neutral stimulus (caregiver) + unconditioned stimulus (caregiver) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
After - conditioned stimulus (caregiver) = conditioned response (pleasure)

Question 4

What is a negative reinforcer?

Answer 4

A behaviour that increases behaviours by removing negative consequences or stimuli

Question 5

What is a primary reinforcer?

Answer 5

A naturally occurring reaction to a stimulus. This response is innate and doesn’t require learning.

Question 6

What is a secondary reinforcer?

Answer 6

A stimulus that becomes reinforcing after being paired with a primary reinforcer

Question 7

What is proximity seeking behaviour?

Answer 7

Behaviours that seek to restore closeness when an infant is separated from the attachment figure

Question 8

What is learning to attach via operant conditioning?

Answer 8

Food to a child is a primary reinforcer as it fulfils a biological need. The child’s caregiver becomes the secondary reinforcer as it provides the food.
This means the child will try and stay as close to the caregiver as they can (proximity seeking).
When the caregiver feeds the child, the crying stops. This acts as a negative reinforcer for the caregiver, as when the child cries, they will comfort it in the same way.
Other people feeding the child will form multiple attachments (stimulus generalisation)

Question 9

Is there research evidence to support the learning theory?

Answer 9

Schaffer and Emerson found that at 6 - 8 months, 50% of children showed their first specific attachment, shows children form attachment with the person that feeds them.

Question 10

Is there research to refute the learning theory?

Answer 10

Harlow’s monkey study, as they only went to the wire mother when hungry - 1 hour

Question 11

Is the learning theory scientific?

Answer 11

Classical and operant conditioning can be objectively measured. For example, the Watson and Raynor study of Little Albert.

Question 12

Are there other explanations other than the learning theory?

Answer 12

Monotropic theory explains that we have evolved to form attachments. Takes a nature view rather than a nurture view.