Learning theory

• What is the learning theory of attachment based on?


  It is based on the belief that attachments form through learning and experience.
• Why does attachment develop to the person that feeds the infant?


  Because feeding is associated with comfort and care.
• What are the two main processes through which attachments occur according to the learning theory?

  • Operant conditioning
  • Classical conditioning
• What is another name for the learning theory of attachment?


  It is sometimes known as the “cupboard love theory.”
• How does classical conditioning contribute to attachment?


  The child learns to associate the carer with food, which is pleasurable.
• What is an unconditioned stimulus in the context of classical conditioning for attachment?


  Food is an unconditioned stimulus associated with pleasure.
• What happens to the carer over time in classical conditioning?


  The carer becomes a conditioned stimulus that evokes pleasure.
• What is operant conditioning based on?


  It is based on the ‘Law of Effect’, where pleasurable outcomes lead to repeated actions.
• What role does food play in operant conditioning?


  Food becomes a primary reinforcer that reinforces behavior to avoid discomfort.
• Who becomes a secondary reinforcer in the context of attachment?


  The person who supplies the food becomes a secondary reinforcer.
• Why does attachment occur according to the learning theory?


  Attachment occurs because the child seeks the person who can provide the primary reinforcer.
• What are some criticisms of the learning theory of attachment?


  • Harlow's research showed monkeys preferred comfort over food.
  • Lorenz's study showed imprinting occurs without feeding.
  • Schaffer and Emerson found that 39% of infants had different main attachment figures.
  • The theory is reductionist, oversimplifying attachment to food.
• What did Harlow's research demonstrate about attachment?


  It showed that young Rhesus monkeys preferred the mother who provided comfort rather than food.
• What does Lorenz's study of greylag geese chicks illustrate about attachment?


  It illustrates that chicks imprint on the first figure they see, regardless of feeding.
• What did Schaffer and Emerson find regarding attachment figures?


  They found that in 39% of cases, the mother was not the main attachment figure.
• What does the behaviourist approach suggest about attachment?


  It suggests that attachment forms from learning and experience.
• Why is the behaviourist approach considered reductionist in explaining attachment?


  Because it simplifies complex behaviors down to food as the primary reinforcer.
• What is a major issue with the learning theory of attachment?


  It ignores all other factors associated with forming attachments.