Learning theory for attachment

• Classical conditioning : infants associate the caregiver with the feeling of pleasure when they are fed
• Operant conditioning : infant becomes motivated to reduce discomfort of hunger. When infant is fed, drive is reduced & pleasure is received ( negative reinforcement ). The behaviour that lead to being fed ( finding mother ) is reinforced
• Learning theory for attachment AO3:

  • ❌ Learning theory is based on animal studies - oversimplified version which lacks validity
  • ❌ Not based on food - Harlow's monkeys - ignores contact comfort
  • ✅ Some explanatory power - infants learn through association & reinforcement but attention may be the reward
  • ❌ Drive reduction theory is limited - many things people do that don't reduce discomfort
  • ❌ Alternative explanation - Bowlby's theory explains how & why attachments form
• Learning theory for attachment AO3:

  • ❌ Learning theory is based on animal studies
  • ❌ Not based on food
  • ✅ Some explanatory power
  • ❌ Drive reduction theory is limited
  • ❌ Alternative explanation