Explanation of attachment: Learning theory Flashcards
Who proposed that caregiver-infant interaction could be explained by learning theory?
Dollard and Miller (1950)
Why is Dollard and Neals approach sometimes referred to as ‘cupboard love’?
Because it emphasises the importance of the caregiver as a provider of food.
What is classical conditioning?
Involves learning to associate 2 stimuli together so that we begin to respond to 1 in the same way that we respond to the other.
How can classical conditioning apply to attachment?
UCS = Food. Food elicits an UCR of pleasure
NS = Mother. Mother elicits no response/NS
UCS ( food) + NS (mom) = UCR of pleasure
CS = mom. Mom elicits a CR of pleasure
What is operant condition?
Learning to repeat behaviour or not based on the consequences.
If a behaviour produces a pleasant consequence, it is likely to be repeated - it has been positively reinforced.
If a behaviour produces an unpleasant consequence, it is not likely to be repeated - it has been negatively reinforced.
How does operant conditioning explain why babies cry for comfort?
Crying leads to response from CG. As long as the CG provides the correct response, crying is reinforced.
The baby then directs crying for comfort to the caregiver who responds with comforting ‘social suppressor’ behaviour.
Reinforcement is a what process?
2 way process
How does the CG receive negative reinforcement?
When the CG provides the correct response and the baby stops crying, the CG receives negative reinforcement.
This is because the baby stops crying, so the CG is escaping from something unpleasant.
The interplay of mutual reinforcement strengthens an attachment.
