Learning theory

• OPERANT CONDITIONING

  • Operant conditioning is similar to classical conditioning in that it uses stimuli to create associations and modify behaviour however operant conditioning uses rewards and punishments to reinforce behaviour.
• Dollard and Miller (1950) apply the concept of operant conditioning to explain attachment through something they call drive reduction theory
• A drive is something that motivates a behaviour. When an animal is uncomfortable, it has a drive to avoid this discomfort. For example, an infant that is hungry experiences discomfort and has a drive to seek out stimuli that alleviates this
• Being fed reduces this discomfort and as such through positive reinforcement the behaviour of feeding is more likely to be repeated in the future
• In addition, the person who supplies the food becomes a secondary reinforcer in alleviating discomfort and as such as the infant seeks out and forms an attachment with the individual that supplies the food
• Social learning theory suggests that humans learn behaviour through modelling and that people will imitate behaviour they see as being rewarded.
• Hay and Vespo (1988) suggest that modelling can be used to explain attachment behaviours. They suggest that children observe their parents’ affectionate behaviour and imitate this. Parents would also deliberately instruct their children about how to behave in relationships and reward appropriate attachment behaviours with behaviours such as hugs and kisses
• Learning theory suggests food is a key element for the formation of attachment, however Harlow’s study showed infant Rhesus monkeys were most attached to the wire mother that provided contact comfort, not food.
• Learning theory is largely based on research from animals. Can comparisons be made? Especially given the complex nature of attachment?
• Drive reduction is a dated theory that is often ignored today because only a small number of behaviours are performed with the intention of alleviating discomfort
• The concept of secondary reinforcers is lacking detail
• Harlow (1959) placed 8 baby rhesus monkeys in a cage with two surrogate mothers, one made of wire and one wrapped in cloth. For half of the monkeys, the food (milk bottle) was attached to the wire mother, whereas it was the other way round for the other half. Harlow found that all the monkeys spent most of their time cuddled to the soft cloth covered monkey, allowing him to coin the term 'contact comfort'