Learning Theory- explanations of attachment

What does learning theory suggest about attachment?

Attachment is a learned behaviour explained by the behaviourist principles of classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

What is the role of food in classical conditioning according to learning theory?

Food is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) because it naturally produces a response of pleasure/satisfaction, which is the unconditioned response (UCR).

What is the caregiver before conditioning?

The caregiver is initially a neutral stimulus (NS) because they do not naturally produce a response of pleasure.

What happens during conditioning in learning theory?

The neutral stimulus (caregiver) is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus (food). The baby therefore learns to associate the caregiver with the pleasure produced by food.

What happens after conditioning in classical conditioning?

The caregiver becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that produces a conditioned response (CR) of pleasure.

What does the classical conditioning explanation suggest causes attachment?

The baby develops an attachment because the caregiver becomes associated with pleasure and satisfaction, originally produced by food.

How does operant conditioning explain attachment?

Attachment develops because interactions between the baby and caregiver are reinforced, making the baby more likely to seek contact with the caregiver.

How does positive reinforcement contribute to attachment?

When a hungry baby cries, the caregiver feeds the baby. Food is added, providing positive reinforcement and making the baby's behaviour more likely to occur again.

How does negative reinforcement contribute to attachment?

Feeding the baby removes the unpleasant feeling of hunger, so the baby's crying stops. Removing an unpleasant stimulus is negative reinforcement.

How is the caregiver's behaviour reinforced?

The caregiver feeds the crying baby, which causes the crying to stop. The removal of the unpleasant crying acts as negative reinforcement, making the caregiver more likely to respond to the baby in the future.

How does reinforcement strengthen the attachment bond?

The baby learns that the caregiver can satisfy their needs, while the caregiver learns that responding to the baby removes unpleasant behaviour. These reinforced interactions maintain and strengthen the attachment bond.

What is drive reduction theory?

Drive reduction theory suggests that behaviour is motivated by the need to reduce biological drives, such as hunger.

Why is hunger considered a primary drive?

Hunger is a primary drive because it is an innate biological need that must be satisfied for survival.

How does food act in drive reduction theory?

Food reduces the primary drive of hunger, satisfying the baby's biological need.

How does the caregiver become a secondary reinforcer?

The caregiver becomes associated with food and the reduction of hunger. The caregiver therefore becomes a secondary reinforcer because they are associated with the satisfaction of the primary drive.

How does drive reduction theory explain the formation of attachment?

The baby becomes attached to the caregiver because the caregiver is associated with satisfying biological needs, particularly hunger, and therefore provides a rewarding experience.

How can learning theory be supported by established theory and research?

Point: Learning theory has a strong scientific foundation because it is based on established principles of classical and operant conditioning. Evidence: These principles were established through the work of Pavlov and Skinner, who demonstrated that behavioural responses can be learned through conditioning processes. Explain: This provides a well-established theoretical basis for applying conditioning principles to attachment. Link: Therefore, learning theory is a scientifically supported explanation of how attachment may develop.

How does animal research contradict the learning theory explanation of attachment?

Point: Research with animals provides evidence against the idea that attachment is primarily based on feeding. Evidence: Lorenz found that geese showed imprinting within hours of birth, before feeding had occurred. Similarly, Harlow found that baby monkeys preferred a soft cloth surrogate mother for comfort, even when a wire mother provided food. Explain: This suggests that attachment can develop without food being the primary reinforcer, and that comfort and contact may be more important. Link: Therefore, animal research undermines the learning theory explanation that attachment develops mainly because the caregiver provides food.

How does human research contradict the learning theory explanation of attachment?

Point: Human research suggests that feeding is not the main factor responsible for forming attachments. Evidence: Schaffer and Emerson found that babies did not necessarily form their primary attachment with the person who fed them. Instead, the primary attachment was more likely to be with the person who provided the most physical care and was sensitive and responsive to the baby's needs. Explain: This contradicts the learning theory prediction that the person who provides food should become the primary attachment figure. Link: Therefore, the importance of food in forming attachments is questionable, reducing the validity of learning theory as a complete explanation.

How can learning theory still be useful despite criticisms of food as the basis of attachment?

Point: Conditioning may still play a role in attachment, even if food is not the primary basis of the attachment bond. Evidence: Research suggests that conditioning may involve associations between the caregiver and safety. Sugita et al. (2020) found that physical safety was associated with reduced anxiety when proximity-seeking behaviour occurred. Explain: This suggests that babies may learn to associate their caregiver with feelings of safety and security, which could help explain why they seek proximity to their caregiver. Link: Therefore, learning theory may still be useful in understanding the development of attachment, although food may not be the main reinforcer.