Learning theory

• What are the two main theories of attachment discussed in the study material?

  Bowlby’s monotropic theory and learning theory
• What does Bowlby’s monotropic theory propose about attachment?

  It proposes that attachment is an innate system biologically programmed into babies from birth.
• How does learning theory explain attachment?

  It focuses on behavior and explains attachment through classical and operant conditioning.
• What is the role of classical conditioning in attachment according to learning theory?

  Attachment is formed through learning via association between the feeder and pleasure from food.
• What is the unconditioned stimulus in the classical conditioning explanation of attachment?

  Food
• What becomes the conditioned stimulus in the classical conditioning process of attachment?

  The person who feeds the infant
• What is the primary drive for a baby according to operant conditioning?

  Hunger
• How does the caregiver become a secondary reinforcer in the context of attachment?

  The caregiver provides food, which reduces the baby's hunger drive.
• What is the significance of crying in the attachment process?

  Crying maintains the caregiver's attention and food supply.
• What does Bowlby mean by "monotropy" in his theory of attachment?

  It refers to the idea that infants have one special emotional bond, usually with their biological mother.
• What is the critical period according to Bowlby’s monotropic theory?

  If monotropic attachment does not occur by age two, forming attachments later becomes difficult.
• What is the internal working model in Bowlby’s theory?

  It is a mental representation of relationships formed through the special attachment.
• What are social releasers in the context of attachment?

  Innate mechanisms that elicit caregiving from parents, such as crying and smiling.
• What does the acronym CR.I.I.M.P.S stand for in Bowlby’s theory?

  • Critical period
  • Innate programming
  • Internal working model
  • Monotropy
  • Proximity
  • Social releasers
• What did Harlow and Harlow (1962) find in their study on attachment?

  Baby monkeys preferred to cling to a cloth model rather than a wire model that fed them.
• How does Harlow's study support Bowlby’s monotropic theory?

  It shows that attachment is based on comfort rather than just feeding.
• What does Harlow's study contradict about learning theory?

  It contradicts the idea that attachment is primarily formed through feeding.
• What did Lorenz's study on geese demonstrate about attachment?

  Young animals imprint before being fed and maintain attachments regardless of who feeds them.
• What is the interactionalist approach to explaining attachment?

  It combines both nature and nurture to explain how attachments are formed.
• What is a criticism of learning theory regarding attachment?

  It is too simplistic and ignores the complexity of human attachment.
• What does research suggest about the sensitivity of caregivers in attachment formation?

  It is important for the quality of the attachment formed.
• What is a social sensitivity issue related to Bowlby’s theory?

  It places a burden of responsibility on mothers for their child's development.
• How does Bowlby’s theory relate to extended families in attachment formation?

  It suggests that alternative caregivers can provide care, but infants still prefer their biological mothers.
• What does the evidence suggest about substitute care and social development?

  Good substitute care does not have a detrimental effect on social development.
• What stigma do fathers face according to Bowlby’s concept of monotropy?

  Fathers may face stigma and sexism for being full-time caregivers.
• What are the main differences and similarities between learning theory and Bowlby’s monotropic theory?

  Differences:

  • Learning theory emphasizes environmental factors; Bowlby emphasizes innate factors.
  • Learning theory focuses on behavior; Bowlby focuses on emotional bonds.

  
  

  Similarities:

  • Both theories recognize the importance of attachment.
  • Both theories have been supported and contradicted by research.
• What is the conclusion regarding the best way to explain attachment?

  The best explanation combines both nature and nurture, suggesting an interactionalist view.