learning theory

• What is the primary caregiver usually for an infant?

  Biological mother
• What do biological psychologists argue about attachment bonds?

  They are innate and develop quickly
• How do behaviorists explain the attachment of infants to their caregivers?

  Infants attach to get food for survival
• What is the cupboard love theory of attachment?

  Attachment develops through learning associations
• What type of conditioning does the cupboard love theory utilize?

  Classical conditioning
• How does classical conditioning explain attachment?

  Infants associate mothers with food and pleasure
• Who conducted the classic study related to classical conditioning?

  Pavlov
• What is an unconditioned stimulus in the context of attachment?

  Food producing pleasure in infants
• What does operant conditioning involve in the context of infant-caregiver relationships?

  Reinforcement patterns influence behaviors
• What is positive reinforcement in the context of infant behavior?

  Providing milk when the infant cries
• What is negative reinforcement in the context of infant behavior?

  Stopping crying by providing care
• What are primary drives?

  Instinctual needs for survival
• How do secondary drives differ from primary drives?

  Secondary drives are learned behaviors
• How does attachment function as a secondary drive?

  Infants learn mothers satisfy primary drives
• What is face validity in the context of learning theory?

  A theory that makes intuitive sense
• What type of research supports the cupboard love theory?

  Well-controlled animal research
• What is a criticism of the learning theory of attachment?

  It oversimplifies the attachment process
• What did Harlow's studies suggest about attachment?

  Infants seek comfort over food sources
• What is Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  Infants are driven to bond with caregivers
• What does the term monotropy refer to?

  A strong bond with one primary caregiver
• What are social releases according to Bowlby?

  Innate behaviors that draw caregiver attention
• What is the critical period for forming attachments according to Bowlby?

  First 30 months after birth
• What is the internal working model in attachment theory?

  A blueprint for future relationships
• How does consistent care affect attachment strength?

  It results in a stronger attachment bond
• What is safe base behavior in infants?

  Exploring while returning to caregiver for reassurance
• What did Harlow's research emphasize about attachment?

  The importance of comfort and touch
• What is a criticism of Bowlby's theory regarding gender roles?

  It perpetuates outdated gender biases
• How does the continuity hypothesis relate to Bowlby's theory?

  Infant attachment predicts adult relationship patterns
• What are the key differences between the learning theory and Bowlby's theory of attachment?

  • Learning theory: Attachment is learned through associations and reinforcement.
  • Bowlby's theory: Attachment is instinctual and crucial for survival.
  • Learning theory emphasizes food; Bowlby emphasizes comfort and security.
• What are the implications of Bowlby's theory on modern childcare practices?

  • Emphasis on immediate physical contact after birth.
  • Recognition of the importance of caregiver relationships.
  • Serious consideration of neglect and its long-term effects.
• What are the limitations of using animal studies to understand human attachment?

  • Differences in species behavior and attachment.
  • Ethical concerns in conducting similar studies on humans.
  • Generalizability of findings may be limited.