Learning theory

• Learning theory


  A set of theories that emphasis the role of learning in the question of behavior
• Classical conditioning


  Learning by association
• Unconditioned stimulus


  something that naturally triggers a natural response
• neutral stimulus


  A stimulus that initially provokes no response
• Watson and Raynor - Little Albert experiment

  1. Presented Albert with a white rat and he showed no fear
  2. Watson presented the rat with a loud noise and made Albert cry
  3. After continuous association of the white rat and loud nose Albert saw a rat and began to cry
• Operant conditioning


  Learning through concequence
• Positive reinforcement 


  receiving a reward when a certain behavior is preformed
• Negative reinforcement


  Avoiding something unpleasant for a positive outcome
• Drive reduction

  Food can be thought of as a primary drive, we are motivated to eat to reduce the hunger drive

  Attachment is a secondary drive learned in association between the caregiver and satisfaction of primary drive
• EVALUATION - Weakness - Counter evidence from animal studies


  • Lorenzs geese imprinted before they were fed and maintained the attachments regardless of who fed them
  • Harlows monkeys prefered the cloth mother who didnt have food
• EVALUATION - weakness - counter evidence from human reaserch


  • Schaffer and emerson - babies formed attachment to mother regardless of who fed them
  • Isabella et al - best quality attachments dont have anything to do with food
• EVALUATION - strength - can still be useful

  conditioning an be seen to impact attatchments