Learning theory

Assumptions of learning theory x4

• babies are born as a blank slate

• attachment is learned

• AKA ‘cupboard love’ because food is at the core of this theory

How is behaviour learned in this theory? (x3)

• classical conditioning - association of stimulus and response

• operant conditioning - association of stimulus and response.

• SLT

Classical conditioning of attachment process

NS → no response

• Mother → no response

UCS → UCR

• Food → pleasure

UCS + NS → UCR

• food + mother → pleasure

CS → CR

• mother → pleasure

What is the Law of Effect?

• If there is a positive consequence, it is likely to be repeated (reinforcement).

• If there is a negative consequence, it is not likely to be repeated (punishment).

How does operant conditioning cause attachment?

1. A drive motivates behaviour

2. When an animal is uncomfortable (eg. hungry) this creates a drive to reduce that discomfort.

3. When the infant is fed, this reduces the drive and produces a feeling of pleasure (positive reinforcement)

4. Food becomes the primary reinforcer.

5. The person who supplies the food is associated with avoiding discomfort via classical conditioning, becoming the secondary reinforcer because they supply the primary reinforcement.

How does operant conditioning lead to survival?

Reinforcement is a two-way process, where the mum is negatively reinforced by feeding the child because the crying/hunger stops, strengthening the attachment.

SLT explanation of attachment

• children observe their parent’s affectionate behaviour and imitate this through vicarious reinforcement.

• Parents instruct children how to behave in relationships and reward appropriate behaviour.