explanations of attachment: learning

• What is the aim of the study on attachment?

  To apply and evaluate learning theories
• Which theories are reviewed in the attachment study?

  Pavlov and Skinner's theories
• What evidence do animal studies provide against food as the basis of attachment?

  Attachments formed regardless of who fed them
• What did Lorenz's imprinted geese demonstrate about attachment?

  They maintained attachments regardless of feeding
• What did Harlow's monkeys prefer in his study?

  Soft surrogate over wire one with milk
• What conclusion can be drawn from Harlow's and Lorenz's studies?

  Attachment does not develop from feeding
• What did Schaffer and Emerson's research reveal about primary attachment figures?

  Not always the person who fed them
• What does the learning theory ignore regarding attachment?

  Other factors linked with attachment quality
• What factors are associated with quality of attachment?

  Reciprocity and interactional synchrony
• What type of carers are associated with the best quality attachments?

  Sensitive carers who respond appropriately
• What is a potential strength of the learning theory?

  Some conditioning elements could still be involved
• How might conditioning play a role in attachment?

  Through associations with comfort and interaction
• What does social learning theory (S.L.T) suggest about attachment behaviors?

  Parents model attachment behaviors to children
• What does learning theory suggest about infants at birth?

  They are 'blank slates' and learn behavior
• What is the 'cupboard love theory' in attachment?

  Attachment is learned through meeting nutritional needs
• What supports the idea of attachment being learned?

  Pavlov's dog study and Little Albert study
• Who proposed that caregiver-infant attachments can be explained by learning theory?

  Dollard and Miller
• What are the definitions of positive reinforcement?

  Providing a rewarding consequence to behavior
• What is negative reinforcement?

  Removing an adverse stimulus to strengthen behavior
• What is punishment in behavioral terms?

  An aversive event that decreases behavior
• What is operant conditioning?

  A method of learning through rewards and punishments
• How does positive reinforcement work in attachment?

  Baby cries and is fed, repeating behavior
• How does negative reinforcement work for caregivers?

  Crying stops when feeding occurs
• What is drive reduction in attachment theory?

  Innate drive to reduce feelings like hunger
• How does Sears explain attachment as a secondary drive?

  Hunger becomes associated with caregivers providing food
• What should be completed for homework according to the study material?

  Worksheets 3.9 and 3.8