AO3

• Learning theory has some explanatory power – infants can learn through reinforcement and association, but food may not be the most reinforce. Parental attention and responsiveness are important factors that assist formation = even though it is not a complete explanation is still has value
• Criticism based on research with animals – behaviourists assume that humans are no different from animals (we have the same building blocks of stimulus/response). However, nonbehaviourists argue that attachments are far too complex to be explained in simple terms = may present an invalid/oversimplified version of attachment
• Too much emphasis placed on food – as shown by Schaffer and Emerson and Harlow’s studies. Harlow found rhesus monkeys were most attached to the cloth covered monkey, thus showing comfort is more important than food = learning theory is oversimplified and ignored other factors
• Alternative explanations – Bowlby’s theory can explain why attachments form rather than just how. Bowlby also explains advantages of attachment (survival). Explains why infants might want comfort not food