Learning Theory

• Learning theory was proposed by Dollard + Miller in 1950s. They stated that attachment was formed based on 'cupboard love' as it is focused on food. Learning theory involves operant and classical conditioning
• Classical conditioning-Food (UCS) produces pleasure (UCR). Primary caregiver (NS) becomes associated with food, becoming a conditioned stimulus (CS) producing 'pleasure' (CR).
• Operant conditioning of infants-Crying is positively reinforced by attention.
• Operant conditioning of caregivers-Attention is negatively reinforced by cessation of crying.
• Secondary drive-Satisfaction of the primary hunger drive is associated with the caregiver.
• One criticism of social learning theory is there is conflicting evidence from animal studies. Geese imprinted on the first moving object regardless of food
• Another criticism of learning theory is conflicting human studies. Isabella et al. found that interactional synchrony improved attachment
• One strength of learning theory is some conditioning may play a role on attachment- ie comfort. However conditioning gives infants a passive role which in fact it is not.