AO3 Attachment + Learning Theory

• What research counters the learning theory?

  Animal studies
• What counter evidence is there from human research?

  Schaffer and Emerson found that the infant's first attachment was formed with the mother 65% of the time regardless of whether she was the one to feed them. Rather, responsiveness was the key to attachment
• How does Isabella et al's research counter the learning theory?


  Studied interactional synchrony and found that the best quality attachment were with sensitive carers and did not relate to food
• Who suggested the social learning theory as a way to explain attachment?


  Hay and Vespo
• Hay & Vespo suggests that parents teach children to love them by modelling attachment behaviours and rewarding them with approval when they how these attachment behaviours. Vicarious reinforcement also occurs where they observe other family members
• How could some elements of conditioning still be involved in attachment behaviours?

  The presence of comfort and social interaction is a part of what builds the attachment. E.g. a baby may associate the feeling of warmth and comfort with the presence of a particular adult.