Learning theory

• The learning theory is one explanation for attachment proposed by Dollard and Miller who stated that attachment is a learned behaviour that is acquired through classical and operant conditioning.
• They proposed the cupboard love theory which suggests the reason chilldren become attached to their caregiver is because they provide food .
• Classical conditioning- learning by association Classical conditioning suggests that food provides attachment the food begins as a unconditioned stimulus which produces a unconditioned response ( pleasure ). The caregiver ( mother ) is a neutral stimulus who produces no response. However because the unconditioned stimulus ( food) is repeatedly paired with neutral stimulus the mom the child learns to associate the mother with food therefore the mother becomes a conditioned stimulus to the baby bringing a conditioned response.
• Operant conditioning – learning by reinforcement Operant conditioning is learning from the consequences of behaviour. If a behaviour produces a pleasant consequence the behaviour is likely to be reinforced .if a behaviour produces a unpleasant consequences (punishment). It is less likely to be repeated
• Operant conditioning is used to explain attachment by focusing on the role of reinforcement. Dollard and Miller suggested that when babies cry, they receive food, which provides pleasure by satisfying their hunger.
• The food acts as a primary reinforcer because it directly meets the baby's biological needs. The caregiver, who provides the food, becomes associated with this primary reinforcer and acts as a secondary reinforcer. Over time, the baby learns to associate the caregiver with the comfort and satisfaction of hunger. As a result of these reinforcing consequences, an attachment develops between the baby and the caregiver.
• ATTACHMENT AS A SECONDARY DRIVE

  Hunger is considered a primary drive because it is innate and acts as a biological motivator, driving behavior to satisfy the need for food. According to learning theory, the caregiver becomes associated with the provision of food, which satisfies this primary drive. Over time, this association means the caregiver becomes a source of comfort and security. This leads to the formation of attachment, which is viewed as a secondary drive learned through the association between the caregiver and the primary drive of hunger satisfaction.