Learning Theory

• (AO1) Define the learning theory of attachment

  Explains how infants learn to become attached to their primary caregiver through the process of either classical or operant conditioning.
• (AO1) What is this theory sometimes referred to as?

  Cupboard love theory because is it thought that infants will form an attachment to whoever feeds them
• (AO1) Define classical conditioning

  A process of learning by associating two stimuli together to condition (learn) a response
• (AO1) State the 2 steps within before classical conditioning

  1)Before conditioning: Food = unconditioned stimulus which produces an unconditioned response (reflex) in the child - relief from hunger/pleasure

  2)Before conditioning: Caregiver = neutral stimulus, who produces no conditioned response from child
• (AO1) State the next 2 steps, during and after classical conditioning

  3)During conditioning = the child associates the caregiver (neutral stimulus) who feeds them with the food (unconditioned stimulus)

  4)Through repeated pairings, the caregiver becomes conditioned stimulus associated with the pleasure from feeding. Results in the caregiver causing a conditioned response from child (relief from hunger) = attachment.
• (AO1) Draw a quick diagram of classical conditioning

  UCS (food) --- UCR (reflex from child -relief from hunger)

  NS (caregiver) --- No response

  UCS (food) + NS (caregiver)

  CS (caregiver) --- CR (relief)
• (AO1) Define operant conditioning

  Learning through reinforcements (positive/negative) as well as punishments
• (AO1) Apply Dollard & Miller (1950) to operant conditioning

  Applied the principles of reward and reinforcement to explain attachment between caregiver & infant.

  
  

  Hungry infant= drive to reduce unpleasant feelings of discomfort = likely to cry to receive comfort.

  
  

  Caregiver provides food = feeling of pleasure produced for infant (rewarding) = positive reinforcement. Crying likely to be repeated

  
  

  This reinforcement = reciprocal process since caregiver also experiences reward, negative reinforcement as infant stops crying. Therefore, they too will repeat the behaviour.
• (AO3) Give a limitation of learning theory

  Point: The theory is undermined by Harlow

  
  

  Evidence: Baby rhesus monkeys spent more time with towelling mother, even through it did not produce food in comparison to wire mother that did provide food.

  
  

  Evaluate: Findings go against the learning theory 'cupboard love' explanation of attachment & suggests that alternative processes may have been ignored.

  
  

  SUPPORT: Supported by Schaffer & Emerson, found that infants formed attachments to their mothers despite being fed by other carers.
• (AO3) Give a limitation of learning theory

  Point: Challenged by Lorenz

  
  

  Evidence: Found that upon hatching, baby geese followed first moving object they saw. Imprinting appears to be innate.

  
  

  Evaluate: Shows that non-human animals demonstrate some inborn attachment behaviours to aid survival which goes against the idea that we 'learn' to attach to a caregiver because they feed us.
• (AO3) Give a discussion of learning theory

  Point: There is an alternative to the learning theory to explain human attachment proposed by Bowlby.

  
  

  Evidence: He believed that infants have an innate readiness during the critical period to form an attachment to their caregiver to protect them from harm whilst young / vulnerable.

  
  

  Evaluate: This evolutionary explanation of attachment maybe more helpful than just a simple stimulus - response association.