Learning theory

• What is the primary attachment figure's role according to Dollard & Miller (1950)?

  Provider of food
• What does learning theory suggest about the caregiver and food?

  The infant associates caregiver with food
• What is the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in the attachment process?

  Food
• How does the caregiver become a conditioned stimulus (CS) in attachment formation?

  By being associated with food over time
• What is the conditioned response (CR) in the attachment process?

  Pleasure from the caregiver's presence
• What diagram should be drawn to represent classical conditioning in attachment formation?

  • Diagram illustrating the association:

  1. Caregiver (NS) + Food (UCS) → Pleasure (UCR)
  2. Caregiver (CS) → Pleasure (CR)
• Why might a caregiver receive negative reinforcement when a baby stops crying after being fed?

  Because the crying stops, reducing stress
• Why might a baby receive positive reinforcement after being fed?

  Because the baby feels satisfied and comforted
• What is a weakness of the learning theory of attachment based on animal studies?

  • Contradictory research exists:
  • Lorenz and Harlow's findings challenge the theory
  • Suggests attachment is not solely based on food
• How do human studies contradict the learning theory of attachment?

  • Schaffer & Emerson and Isabella et al findings:
  • Show attachment is more complex than food association
  • Suggests emotional and social factors are involved
• What other explanations of attachment may exist beyond learning theory?

  Attachment may involve other conditioning factors
• What role does the primary attachment figure (PAF) play in conditioning?

  Associates warmth and comfort with presence
• Which researchers argued that infants take an active role in attachment development?

  Researchers who emphasize active infant interactions