Learning Theory

• What does Bowlby’s theory focus on in attachment?

  Evolution and survival
• What does the learning theory argue about human beings at birth?

  We are born 'TABULA RASA' (blank slate)
• How does the learning theory explain the formation of attachments?

  As a set of learned behaviors through nurture
• What term is used to describe the learning theories of attachment?

  'Cupboard love'
• What are the two processes through which attachments can be learned?

  Operant conditioning and classical conditioning
• What role does feeding play in the development of attachment according to behaviorists?

  It is central to attachment development
• How do children learn to display attachment behaviors?

  Through reinforcement and positive stimuli association
• What is the unconditioned response in classical conditioning of attachment?

  Pleasure
• What is the unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning of attachment?

  Food
• What does the neutral stimulus become in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned stimulus (mother)
• What is the conditioned response in classical conditioning of attachment?

  Pleasure from seeking proximity to the caregiver
• What does operant conditioning involve in the context of attachment?

  Learning by consequence and reinforcement
• What is positive reinforcement in the context of attachment?

  When a behavior results in something pleasant
• What is negative reinforcement in the context of attachment?

  When a behavior results in the subtraction of something unpleasant
• What does drive reduction theory explain about infant behavior?

  Infants cry to seek nourishment when hungry
• What happens when a baby receives food according to drive reduction theory?

  Drive reduction occurs, reinforcing the crying behavior
• What is the role of the primary caregiver in attachment formation?

  They become associated with the reward of food
• What is a criticism of the learning theory regarding its basis?

  It is based on non-human animal studies
• What do non-behaviorists argue about attachment complexity?

  Attachments involve innate predispositions and mental activity
• What is a strength of the learning theory?

  It has strong explanatory power for attachment formation
• What is a limitation of drive reduction theory?

  It is outdated and not applicable today
• How does Bowlby’s theory differ from learning theory?

  Bowlby explains why attachments form, not just how
• What did Harlow’s research suggest about attachment?

  Contact comfort is more important than food
• What was a limitation of Harlow’s study?

  It had confounding variables with the mothers
• What does the drive reduction theory involve in terms of attachment formation?

  It involves motivation to reduce discomfort from hunger
• What are the steps of drive reduction theory in attachment formation?

  1. Baby feels hungry and cries (drive state).
  2. Primary caregiver feeds the baby (positive consequence).
  3. Baby experiences drive reduction (reward).
  4. Association forms between caregiver and pleasure (attachment).
• What are the criticisms of the learning theory of attachment?

  • Based on non-human animal studies
  • Oversimplifies complex attachment behaviors
  • Outdated drive theory principles
  • Harlow's findings contradict learning theory
• What are the strengths of the learning theory of attachment?

  • Strong explanatory power for attachment formation
  • Highlights the role of reinforcement in learning
  • Provides insight into learned behaviors
• How does Bowlby’s theory provide a more complete explanation of attachment compared to learning theory?

  • Explains why attachments form (evolution/survival)
  • Outlines benefits of attachment (protection/survival)
  • Considers innate predispositions and mental activity
• What is the significance of Harlow's research in the context of attachment theory?

  • Demonstrates importance of contact comfort
  • Challenges the idea that food is the primary reinforcer
  • Highlights limitations of learning theory