learning theory

• what does the learning theory propose about attachment?

  attachment is formed when infant receives food

  • cupboard love idea: learn to love the person who feeds them
• what are the 3 elements of the learning theory?

  1. classical conditioning
  2. operant conditioning
  3. secondary drive
• who developed the learning theory?

  B.F. Skinner
• outline classical conditioning

  learning through associating a stimulus with a response
• give an example of classical conditioning in attachment

  • food (unconditioned stimulus) gives pleasure (unconditioned response)
  • caregiver (neutral stimulus) gives infant food
  • infant associates caregiver (conditioned stimulus) with food (conditioned response)
• explain operant conditioning

  learning through rewards or punishments
• what are the 2 types of operant conditioning?

  1. positive reinforcement
  2. negative reinforcement
• give an example of positive reinforcement in attachment

  infants cry which produces a caring and comforting response from caregiver
• give an example of negative reinforcement in attachment

  caregiver comforts infant to stop the crying
• define negative reinforcement

  continuing a behaviour to avoid an undesirable outcome
• outline secondary drive

  • biological compulsions e.g. hunger is a primary drive
  • caregiver reduces hunger so the attachment is a secondary drive
• strength - emphasis on reinforcement

  • babies form attachment to caregiver as reinforced by responses to needs
  • infants receive consistent care and attention to form secure attachment
  • practical application to early child development
• weakness - biology

  • ignores biological factors
  • attachment isn't a sole learned process
  • neglects role of evolutionary factors
• weakness - animal studies

  • harlow
  • key role of comfort and emotional security in formation of attachment
  • emotional factors are essential