Explaining Attachments; Learning Theory

• According to learning theory, infants learn to be attached to a primary caregiver through classical and operant conditioning
• Classical conditioning is learning through Assocaition
• Classical conditioning of attachment;

  Before learning:

  Food (UCS) = Pleasure (UCR)

  During learning:

  Food (UCS) + Caregiver (NS) = Pleasure (UCR)

  After learning:

  Caregiver (CS) = Pleasure (CR)
• Operant conditioning is learning through consequences
• Positive reinforcement involves receiving something pleasurable for preforming a behaviour
• Negative reinforcement involves removing something non-pleasurable for doing a behaviour
• Positive reinforcement in attachment comes into play when;

  The parents actions of feeding and cuddling are powerful rewards for the baby, who learn their cries bring food and cuddles.
• Negative reinforcement in attachment comes into play when:

  Baby cries because it is hungry, so feeding the baby makes it happier so crying is learnt through negative reinforcement
• One evaluation for Learning theory is there is counter evidence for animal research
• Counter evidence for animal research shows animals do not attach to those who feed them, so the same must be for humans - as learning theorists believe non-humans and humans behave in the same way.
• An evaluation to learning theory explanation is counter evidence from human research
• Counter evidence from human research of Schaffer and Emerson suggests the quality of interactions were most important on the formation of attachments
• One evaluation for learning theory explanation is that it is a partial explanation
• LT is a partial explanation as Bowlby suggests babies only need food occasionally by constantly require emotional security - suggests food is not the main reason for formation of attachments