Learning Theory case studies

Learning Theory case studies

1. Learning theory is put forward by behaviourists.

   • Classical conditioning - Ivan Pavlov; dogs learned to salivate (response) when the door opened (stimulus).
   • Operant conditioning - Dollard and Miller (1950); infants feel uncomfortable when hungry so when fed it produces a feeling of pleasure (which is rewarding), food becoming primary reinforcer and people who supplies the food becomes the secondary reinforcer.

2. Evaluation studies.

   • Harry Harlow (1959) - 'The Origins of Love', found when baby rhesus monkeys were given two mother figures, one who provded food and one comfort, infant monkeys because attached to the mother figure who provided comfort not food.
   • Schaffer abd Emerson (1964) - observed 60 babies from Glasgow, found babies were most attached to the person who interacted with them the most and was most responsive to them rather that who fed them.