Explanations of Attachment - Learning Theory
Explanations of Attachment – Learning Theory
AO1:
Learning Theory stated that all behaviour is learnt rather than innate and that we are born a ‘blank slate’.
Behaviourists suggest that all behaviour is learned either through classical or operant conditioning.
Classical Conditioning - Association
Food produces pleasure, primary care giver (food giver) is associated with the food and becomes a conditioned stimulus.
Operant Conditioning – Reward and punishment
According to operant conditioning food satisfies hunger and makes a baby feel comfortable again (drive reduction). Food is therefore a primary reinforcer. His mother is associated with food and became a secondary reinforcer. Baby becomes attached to his mother because she is a source of reward.
AO2:
Strengths – Can provide an adequate explanation of how attachments are formed.
Limitations – explanation of the role of food – people still believe that feeding an infant plays a key role in developing a close relationship therefore fathers feel rejected.
Harlow created two wired monkeys one lactating and the other wrapped in soft cloth.
According to Learning theory, young monkeys should attach to the lactating mother. In fact, the monkeys spent most time with the cloth-covered mother.
Schaffer & Emerson observed 60 babies, infants were not most attached to the person who fed them, they were most attached to the person who was most responsive and who interacted with them the most.
Practise Questions:
Explanations of Attachment – Bowlby’s theory
AO1 & Strengths
Innate & adaptive – refers to characteristics that are inborn, a product of genetic factors. Such traits are apparent at birth.
Sensitive period – period of time during which the child is sensitive to a specific form of stimulation, resulting in development.
+ Once it has passed, it is difficult for attachments to be formed.
A secure base – attachment acts as a secure base from which a child can
AO1:
Learning Theory stated that all behaviour is learnt rather than innate and that we are born a ‘blank slate’.
Behaviourists suggest that all behaviour is learned either through classical or operant conditioning.
Classical Conditioning - Association
Food produces pleasure, primary care giver (food giver) is associated with the food and becomes a conditioned stimulus.
Operant Conditioning – Reward and punishment
According to operant conditioning food satisfies hunger and makes a baby feel comfortable again (drive reduction). Food is therefore a primary reinforcer. His mother is associated with food and became a secondary reinforcer. Baby becomes attached to his mother because she is a source of reward.
AO2:
Strengths – Can provide an adequate explanation of how attachments are formed.
Limitations – explanation of the role of food – people still believe that feeding an infant plays a key role in developing a close relationship therefore fathers feel rejected.
Harlow created two wired monkeys one lactating and the other wrapped in soft cloth.
According to Learning theory, young monkeys should attach to the lactating mother. In fact, the monkeys spent most time with the cloth-covered mother.
Schaffer & Emerson observed 60 babies, infants were not most attached to the person who fed them, they were most attached to the person who was most responsive and who interacted with them the most.
Practise Questions:
Explanations of Attachment – Bowlby’s theory
AO1 & Strengths
Innate & adaptive – refers to characteristics that are inborn, a product of genetic factors. Such traits are apparent at birth.
Sensitive period – period of time during which the child is sensitive to a specific form of stimulation, resulting in development.
+ Once it has passed, it is difficult for attachments to be formed.
A secure base – attachment acts as a secure base from which a child can