Explanations Of Attachment: Learning Theory - evaluation

Question 1

What limitation is noted about learning theory regarding animal studies?

Answer 1

Lack of support from animal studies as Lorenz geese imprinted regardless of food association and Harlow’s monkey’s preferred a soft surrogate mother instead of the wire one that provided milk

Shows factors other than association with food are important in attachment formation

Question 2

What limitation is noted about learning theory regarding human studies?

Answer 2

Lack of support: Schaffer and Emerson found babies tended to attach to mothers regardless of food also Isabella et al found that high levels of interactional synchrony predicted attachment quality

These factors arent related to feeding suggesting its not the main factor in attachment formation

Question 3

What is a strength of learning theory regarding attachment?

Answer 3

Elements of conditioning could be involved in some aspects of attachment. Learning theory may still be useful in understanding attachment development

Baby may associate feeling warm/comfy with the presence of a certain adult which may influence babies choice for main attachment figure

Question 4

What is a counterpoint to classical and operant conditioning explanations of attachment?

Answer 4

Suggests baby has a passive role in attachment development when research suggests babies have a very active role in interactions that produce attachment

Conditoning may not be an adequate explanation of any aspect of attachment