Learning Theory

• Dolland + Miller (1950)


  Cupboard love is the principle of Learning Theory
• Classical Conditioning

  Association of food with mother

  • US = Food
  • UR = Pleasure
  • NS = Fed by Mother
  • CS = Mother

  US > UR > NS + US > CS > CR
• Operant Conditioning

  Reinforcing behaviours

  • Positive reinforcement = Crying for food from mother
  • Negative reinforcement = Mother feeding child when crying
• Learning Theory states attachment is a secondary drive
• (+) A03: Face Validity


  Intuitive sense babies cry more when learning crying can lead to food
• (+) A03: Research Support

  Research from Skinner and Pavlov from Behavioursit approach can support the idea of learning to gain a desired response
• (-) A03: Harlow's Research


  Harlow counters cupboard love through his monkey experiment, claiming contact comfort is more important to the baby rather than food