Explanations of attachment

Question 1

What is the Learning theory of attachment?

Answer 1

Suggests that an infant learns to form an attachment to a caregiver, through classical and operant conditioning.

Question 2

What is classical conditioning?

Answer 2

• learning through association

Question 3

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 3

• learning through consequences

Question 4

What is the relation between operant conditioning and attachment?

Answer 4

• Dallard and Miller {1950}
• according to the explanation, hunger creates discomfort in an infant, when the infant is fed that discomfort is reduced, producing feelings of pleasure.
• food is the primary reinforcer
• infant learns to recognise the person who provides food
• infant is the secondary reinforcer
• if the infant is in close proximity with this person they will be fed {positive reinforcement} and will avoid discomfort {negative reinforcement}
• infant will therefore repeat the behaviour of remaining in close proximity, and will form an attachment to them.

Question 5

What is Cupboard love?

Answer 5

• Learning theory of attachment = Cupboard love theory
• This is because it proposes that attachment bonds are formed based upon the provision of food.