explanations of attachment: learning theory

Question 1

classical conditioning

Answer 1

• learning through association
• a neutral stimulus is consistantly paired with the unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually takes on the properties of this stimulus is able to produce a conditioned response

Question 2

learning theory

Answer 2

the name given to a group of explainations, which explain behaviour in terms of learning rather than any inborn tendancies or higher order thinking

Question 3

operant conditioning

Answer 3

learning through reinforcement

Question 4

social learning theory

Answer 4

learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded

Question 5

what does the learning theory explain

Answer 5

• how infants learn to become attached to their primary caregiver through the process of either classical or operant conditioning
• it is thought that infants will form an attachment to whoever feeds them

Question 6

what does the learning theory propose

Answer 6

• learned rather than innate. when children are born they are ‘blank slates’.
• attachment is a result of nurture rather than nature

Question 7

what is the learning theory also known as

Answer 7

• cupboard love theory
• it suggests that the infant becomes attached to a caregiver because it ‘learns’ that the caregiver will meet their physiological (nutritional) needs (i.e. becomes attached to the care giver who provides the infant with food).

Question 8

classical conditioning applied to human attachment

Answer 8

Food -> pleasure (happy baby)
(UCS) -> (UCR)

Caregiver -> no response (neutral)
(NS)

Caregiver + food -> pleasure
(NS + UCS) -> (UCR)

Caregiver -> pleasure
(CS) -> (CR)

Question 9

dollard and miller - 1950

Answer 9

applied the principles of reward and reinforcement to explain human attachment between a caregiver and an infant

Question 10

explain operant conditioning in terms of attachment

Answer 10

• when an infant feels hunger, it has a drive to reduce these unpleasant feelings and discomfort so is likely to cry in order to receive comfort
  when the caregiver provides food
• a feeling of pleasure is produced for the infant which is rewarding = positive reinforcement
  therefore the behaviour elicited the reward e.g. crying will be repeated
• this reinforcement is a reciprocal process since the caregiver also experiences a reward in the form of negative reinforcement when the infant stops crying, so they too will repeat the caregiving behaviour again in the future

Question 11

drive

Answer 11

motivational (aroused) states that result from physiological needs

primary drive = hunger
primary reinforcer = food

Question 12

drive reduction

Answer 12

• eating acts as a drive reduction and is positively reinforcing and rewarding
• reward = increased chance of repeating the behaviour e.g. no longer hungry

Question 13

secondary drive

Answer 13

attachment will occur because the infant will seek the person who can supply the reward ie. the caregiver

Question 14

secondary reinforcer

Answer 14

caregivers by association to the primary reinforcer

Question 15

how did Dale Hay and Jo Vespo 1988 suggest that modelling could be used to explain attachment behaviours

Answer 15

• they proposed that children observe their parents’ affectionate behaviour and imitate this
• parents would also deliberately instruct their children about how to behave in relationships and reward appropriate attachment behaviours such as giving kisses and hugs