Learning Theory

• learning theory of attachment

  Behaviorists propose an infants emotional bond and dependance on the caregiver can be explained in terms of reinforcement either through classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
• classical conditioning - learning theory


  the baby would receive pleasure when given food (UCS) and the association of pleasure (UCR ) is formed with the caregiver as they are the person giving the food.

  
  

  This is then proposed to occur in the caregivers presence even when feeding does making it a conditioned response.
• operant conditioning - learning theory


  When an infant is fed the drive is reduced and they are rewarded through negative reinforcement (escaping something unpleasant).
• primary drives

  Biological compulsions such as the need to satisfy hunger
• secondary drive

  Because the caregiver reduces hunger by feeding, the attachment to them becomes the ‘secondary drive’ for the infant.
• A ‘drive’ is something that motivates behaviour e.g the infant is hungry and there is a drive to reduce the discomfort.
• social learning theory in attachment

  Hay and Vespo(1988) suggested that  modelling could be used to explain attachment behaviours.

  
  

  They said that children observe their parents affectionate behaviour and then imitate this e.g rewarding good behaviour by hugging
• Food is seen as the primary reinforcer. Through the process of classical conditioning the person supplying the food becomes associated with avoiding discomfort (secondary reinforcer).
• What is the learning theory of attachment?

  • Attachment is not innate
  • Attachment is learned
  • Attachment depends on who feeds the baby i.e. 'cupboard love'
• How does classical conditioning work with infants and attachment?

  •  The infant is hungry and this isn't a comfortable feeling so they crave food
  • The food is the UCS
  • The food gives the infant pleasure so is the UCR
  • The Primary Care Giver provides the food and is the NS
  • When the infant has been fed several times by the PCG, they begin to associate the PCG with food
  • The PCG is now the CS and the CR is pleasure
  • The attachment has begun as the infant wants the PCG around, not due to food anymore, but because they like having them around
• How does operant conditioning work with infants and attachment?

  • We learn via rewards, punishments and reinforcement
  • Infants learn that they can receive attention from the PCG if they cry, laugh, giggle etc
  • These behaviours are positively reinforced for the infant: As it is rewarded, the infant repeats the action even more
  • The PCG is also rewarded as a negative reinforcer is removed: the infant stops crying
  • This means that the PCG is also likely to repeat the behaviour as it is rewarding, and something unpleasant is removed