Learning theory

• Scientific and established theory

  Likely, an association between the provision of needs and the person providing those needs can lead to strong attachments
• Contradictory evidence

  Harlow (1959)- found that monkeys attach for comfort rather than food
• Contradictory evidence

  Schaffer and Emerson (1964)- found that infants are likely to attach to people who are sensitive to their needs.
• Other theories

  For example, Bowlby's monotropic theory
• Simplistic

  It focuses on basic processes like reinforcement, which are too simple to explain complex processes like attachment.