leanring theory of attachment Flashcards
(8 cards)
How does classical conditioning explain attachment?
Attachment forms through association. The caregiver starts as a neutral stimulus but becomes associated with food (an unconditioned stimulus), which produces pleasure (an unconditioned response). Eventually, the caregiver alone becomes a conditioned stimulus producing a conditioned response (attachment/love).
How does operant conditioning contribute to attachment?
Operant conditioning explains attachment as learning from consequences.
Positive reinforcement: Babies cry → caregiver responds with food/comfort → crying is reinforced.
Negative reinforcement: Caregiver removes unpleasant crying → they’re reinforced to respond.
This mutual reinforcement strengthens attachment.
What is meant by attachment as a secondary drive?
Based on drive reduction theory: hunger is a primary drive (biological motivator).
Attachment becomes a secondary drive through association with the caregiver who satisfies hunger. This is supported by Sears et al. (1957).
How do animal studies challenge learning theory?
Lorenz’s geese imprinted without food association.
Harlow’s monkeys preferred comfort over a milk-providing wire mother.
These show that food is not the main basis of attachment.
What human studies challenge learning theory?
A:
Schaffer and Emerson (1964): Babies formed attachment to caregiver who interacted most, not necessarily fed them.
Isabella et al. (1989): High synchrony linked to better attachment quality.
These findings show responsiveness matters more than food.
Can learning theory still be useful?
Yes. Conditioning may explain aspects of attachment (e.g. associating comfort with caregiver), even if food isn’t the primary factor.
What is a key criticism of conditioning explanations?
They suggest babies are passive. In reality, babies are active participants, e.g. by eliciting responses from caregivers and shaping attachment quality.
How does social learning theory explain attachment?
Caregivers model attachment behaviour (e.g. hugging).
Children observe and imitate this behaviour.
Vicarious reinforcement strengthens attachment (seeing caregiver’s affection rewarded).
