learning theory of attachment

Question 1

learning theory overview

Answer 1

explains behaviour through learning from experiences and consequences

behaviour learnt not inborn
- learn through conditioning

caregiver becomes attached because the provide food

Question 2

classical conditioning , attachment formation

Answer 2

neutral stim , becomes cs when paired with ucs

food = ucs , causes pleasure naturally
caregiver = ns
when caregiver gives food bare times they become associated with the pleasure

overtime , caregiver = cs
babys response = cr e.g smiling

Question 3

cupboard love theory

Answer 3

baby gets attached to whoever feeds them , feeder becomes source of pleasure

Question 4

operant conditioning

Answer 4

learning through consequences

pr = behaviour repeated , leads to rewards
nr = behaviour repeated to avoid unpleasant something idk

baby cries - is fed - feels pleasure
crying is reinforced , baby learns crying = food
food is reinforcer
caregiver also now associated with food and comfort

Question 5

limitation , food

Answer 5

p- focuses too much on food
e- doesn’t take into acc other reasons they may form bonds e.g comfort stafety
e- Bowlby theory = include things e.g security
l- too narrow incomplete

Question 6

limitation , Schaffer and Emerson

Answer 6

p- dont always attach to person who feeds them
e- Schaffer Emerson , found babies attach to responsive caregivers not ones who feed them
e- challenges idea that feeding causes attachment
l- doesn’t match real life behaviour

Question 7

strength , real life

Answer 7

p- research support
e- dollard and miller, said babies fed 2000 in first year , most by same person
e- repetition = helps babies learn to asoicatie caregiver = comfort and pleasure
l= supports sea that attachment = learnt through conditioning