Learning theory - AO1

Question 1

What is the cupboard love theory?

Answer 1

Dollard and Miller (1950)
Used learning theory to explain attachment via both classical and operant conditioning
Known as the cupboard love approach due to focus on food

Question 2

What is primary and secondary drive?

Answer 2

Learning theory also used drive reduction to explain attachment

• Primary drive are biological needs such as being hungry or cold
• Secondary drives are those learned through conditioning or association with primary drive, such as a “need” for money

Question 3

What did Sears et al. (1957) find?

Answer 3

Hunger is a primary drive that is reduced by caregiver providing food
Therefore, attachment behaviours are a result of secondary drive for comfort or closeness

Question 4

What is classical conditioning?

Answer 4

Classical conditioning: Acquisition of attachment

• Neutral stimulus: Caregiver
• Unconditioned stimulus: Food
• Uncondtitoned response: Pleasure from food

Caregiver provided food, stimuli are repeatedly paired together - associated

• Conditioned stimulus: Caregiver
• Conditioned response: Pleasure from caregiver even when they dont have food

Question 5

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 5

When an animal (or human) avoids something unpleasant. The outcome is a positive experience

Question 6

What is a punishment?

Answer 6

An unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 7

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 7

Operant conditioning: Maintenence of attachment

• Positive reinforcement: Crying behaviours from babies

Reinforced as produces a positive consequence i.e caregiver brings food
Baby continues to cry to signal need

Question 8

What is the other way operant conditioning can occur?

Answer 8

Operant conditioning works both ways…

• Negative reinforcement: Avoidance behaviours from caregivers
• Reinforced as produces a positive consequence i.e baby stops crying
• Caregiver continues to respond to signals