Explanations of attachment

• What is meant by the learning theory of attachment?

  the use of classical and operant conditioning to explain the formation of attachments
• How do attachments from according to the classical conditioning explanation of learning theory?

  1. milk (UCS) triggers the response of pleasure (UCR) in baby
  2. pre-conditioning, mother (NS) doesn't trigger a response
  3. during conditioning, mother (NS) is paired with milk (UCS) repeatedly through feeding so association is formed
  4. post conditioning, mother becomes the CS which triggers the CR of pleasure when seeing the mother
• How do attachments form according to the operant conditioning explanation of learning theory?

  1. baby experiences hunger (primary drive) and cries because it is unpleasant
  2. primary caregiver (PCG) is driven to satisfy the baby
  3. the PCG repeatedly feeds (primary reinforcer) the baby
  4. hungry baby has avoided discomfort caused by hunger (negative reinforcement)
  5. mother has avoided crying (negative reinforcement)
• What is the AO3 for learning theory of attachment?

  :( alternatives - Lorenz and Harlow

  :( alternatives - Schaffer & Emerson

  :) research evidence - Pavlov + Skinner

  :) scientific
• Develop an AO3 point for alternatives for learning theory of attachment (Lorenz + Harlow)

  • Lorenz' study showed that geese imprinted from the moment they were born suggesting that attachment is not the result of association learned from feeding but rather an innate biological mechanism
  • Harlow's study showed that monkeys produce attachments as a result of contact comfort, not food, therefore going against learning theory
• Develop an AO3 point for alternatives for learning theory of attachment (Schaffer & Emerson)

  Their study suggested that feeding is not an important factor in forming attachments. Rather, babies form specific attachments to whoever is most sensitive to their needs (sensitive responsiveness)
• How is Bowlby's monotropic theory different from the learning theory?

  Takes an evolutionary perspective on formation of attachments, suggesting that infants are born with an innate tendency to form attachments in order to increase their chance of survival
• Outline Bowlby's monotropic theory (ASCMI)

  A - Adaptive --> adaptive advantage to increase chance of survival

  S - Social Releasers --> 'cuteness' unlocks innate tendency in caregivers to take care of infants (physical or behavioural)

  C - Critical period --> must form attachment before 2.5 years

  M - Monotropy --> form one very intense special attachment

  I - Internal working model --> child's future relationships based on their early attachments
• What is the AO3 for Bowlby's monotropic theory of attachment?

  :( Harlow's monkeys --> contact comfort > food

  :( Rutter et al. --> still able to form attachments but took longer to do so therefore going against critical period --> instead 'sensitive period'

  :) Lorenz' geese --> imprinting is an innate biological mechanism --> supports critical period

  :) Hazan & Shaver --> 'Love Quiz' found that there was a positive correlation between attachment type and later love experiences --> supports internal working model