Refuting research evidence -
Research evidence that refuted the claim of learning theory that we attach to those who feed us, is the study into stages of attachment by Schaffer & Emerson,
They found that most infants attached to their most responsive carer, which was not necessarily the one who fed them. 39% of the infants main attachment was with someone other than the one who bathed and fed them.
Attachments were more likely to be formed to those individuals who are sensitive and rewarding to the baby and who play with the infant.
This suggests that Learning theory of attachment may not be the only reason why infants attach as attachment is more complex than just associative learning as children will attach to those who are sensitive to their needs and not necessarily the person who provides food.