Attachment - Explanations (learning theory)

Question 1

Assumptions about infants

Answer 1

• Behaviours are learned processes through classical & operant conditioning
• Born as tabula rasa

Question 2

Study to support learning theory

Answer 2

Dollard & Miller - 1000+ infants fed by main carer -> grew attachment to them (cupboard love idea)

Question 3

Classical conditioning in attachment

Answer 3

Association -> learns to associate caregiver (neural stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus) which is associated with pleasure (unconditioned response) -> caregiver becomes conditioned stimulus & evokes pleasure when infant sees them

Question 4

Drive reduction theory

Answer 4

Hunger is a primary human drive, attachment is secondary
Food given by caregiver -> drive is generalised to them by association (Sears et al)

Question 5

Operant conditioning in attachment

Answer 5

Positive reinforcement: baby receives food (reward) -> attachment grows & maintains happiness (strengthened behaviour)
Negative reinforcement: mother gives food -> removes crying & attachment grows

Question 6

SLT in attachment

Answer 6

Observational learning - teach kids to love through modelling attachment behaviour -> reinforce through approval & reciprocity (Hay & Vespo)

Question 7

Strength of learning theory explanations

Answer 7

Conditioning is involved in attachment (associates warm & comfort w/presence of adult -> influences attachment choice to main figure -> increases validity)

Question 8

Limitations of learning theory explanations

Answer 8

Conflicting evidence
- Animal studies (Lorenz + imprinting, Harlow + comfort over food cloth mother)
- Human studies (Schaffer & Emerson + forming attachments regardless of if fed by mother)
(Lacks validity)