LT

Question 1

Evidence for learning through association-

Answer 1

strength of the learning theory is that it is considered to be scientific because much of the evidence has come from lab experiments (such as pavlov’s dogs). learning
theory is that it is plausible and scientific and is based on an established theory. This is
because there is plenty of psychological research which demonstrates that we do learn lots
of behaviours through association and reinforcement and so there seems to be no reason to
believe that attachment would be any different. However there is research evidence to critique the learning theory (food is not the main determinant). eg Harlow’s work with monkeys showed that it was contact comfort rather than
the food which was the important factor in attachment This therefore suggests that different elements of conditioning need to be considered when explaining attachment.
However must take caution in extrapolation of findings form animals to humans. Governed schaffer and emerson…

Question 2

Research into infant-caregiver interactions

Answer 2

a criticism of the learning explanation is that it does not take into account the quality of infant-caregiver interactions. Research into early infant-caregiver interactions suggests that the quality of attachment is associated with
factors such as developing reciprocity and good levels of interactional synchrony. In
addition, studies have shown that the best quality attachments are with sensitive carers that
pick up signals and respond appropriately. Therefore, if attachment was purely as a result of
feeding, there would be no purpose for these complex interactions, thus limiting the learning theory of attachment.

Question 3

Alternative explanation

Answer 3

Hay and Vespo (1988) have proposed a newer explanation for
infant-caregiver attachment based on social learning theory whereby attachment is acquired
largely as a result of modelling and imitation of attachment behaviour by parents. Hay and
Vespo suggest that parents teach children to love them by modelling attachment behaviour
e.g. by hugging them and other family members, and instructing and rewarding them with approval when they display attachment behaviour of their own ‘that’s a lovely hug’. This explanation takes into account how attachment is learned indirectly rather than a direct approach as proposed by traditional learning theories of attachment