explanations

• assumption of learning theory

  children learn to become attached to their caregiver because they give them food
• classical conditioning

  learning via association

  food is UCS that produces UCR.

  caregiver is NS who produces NR.

  UCS (food) becomes associated with mother

  mother is CS and she brings CR
• operant conditioning

  learning via reinforcement

  food is primary reinforcer as it directly satisfies hunger

  caregiver is secondary reinforcer as they are associated with primary reinforcer (food)

  attachment occurs because the child seeks the person who can supply the reward
• what is the motivation for the baby to learn the behaviour?

  food and warmth to reduce the feeling of hunger
• what is the motivation for the mother to learn the behaviour

  for the discomfort (baby crying) to stop