Learning theory

Question 1

Who studied the cupboard love theory ?

Answer 1

Dollard and Miller

Question 2

What does the theory state (basic) ?

Answer 2

That attachment occurs through 2 processes:
- classical conditioning
- operant conditioning

Question 3

What is classical conditioning ?

Answer 3

Learning to associate two stimulus’ together so that we begin to respond to the one in in the way we respond to the other:
Unconditioned stimulus (food) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
Neutral stimulus (caregiver) = no response
Unconditioned (food) + neutral stimulus (caregiver) = unconditioned response (pleasure)
Conditioned stimulus (caregiver) = conditioned response (pleasure)

Question 4

What is drive reduction ?

Answer 4

learning theory also looks at this concept.
Primary drive = hunger
Secondary drive = attachment as caregiver gives babies food. Then associates PCG of relief when eating

Question 5

What is operant conditioning ?

Answer 5

Learning consequences of behaviour
Positive reinforcement: repeating behaviour to avoid something unpleasant
Negative reinforcement: Completing a behaviour to avoid something unpleasant .
Punishment = an unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 6

What are some examples of operant conditioning ?

Answer 6

• when a baby cries for comfort and is then fed = positive reinforcement
• The caregiver avoids the crying by responding to the infant = negative reinforcement

Question 7

What is a limitation of learning theories ?

Answer 7

1. Lack of support from animal studies: Harlows study said that the Moneys preferred the comfort of a parent rather than the food that the parent offered
2. Lack of support from human babies: Schaffer and Emerson say that the baby was most attached to the mother regardless of who usually fed them

Question 8

What is a strength of learning theories ?

Answer 8

Some elements of the condition could involve attachment. It seems unlikely food plays a role but conditioning does
E.g warmth and comfort of a mother