evaluation of attachment: learning theory

evaluation of attachment: learning theory

1. learning theory & attachment

   • Dollard & Miller
     • children love whoever feeds them
       • classical conditioning
         • food = UCS
         • pleasure from food = UCR
         • caregiver = NS
         • then
           • caregiver = CS
           • sight of caregiver = CR
         • caregiver becomes associated with food
       • operant conditioning
         • crying leads to a response from the caregiver
           • correct response e.g. feeding = crying is reinforced
             • baby then directs crying for comfort
         • caregiver experiences negative reinforcement
           • as baby stops crying
             • strengthens attachment
       • attachment as a secondary drive
         • hunger = primary drive (innate, biological motivator)
           • motivated to eat to reduce hunger
             • as caregiver provides food the primary drive of hunger becomes generalised to them
               • attachment is the secondary drive
                 • learned by association between caregiver & satisfaction of primary drive

2. evaluation

   • counter evidence from animal research
     • animals do not attach to those who feed them
       • Harlow & Lorenz
         • both show attachment does not develop form feeding
   • counter evidence from human research
     • feeding is not an important factor
       • Schaffer & Emerson
         • primary attachments to biological mother not feeder
   • ignores other factors associated with attachments
     • quality attachments are formed through interactional synchrony
       • pick up signals from each other
     • no purpose of complex interactions

3. evaluation +

   • conditioning could still be involved
     • association between primary caregiver & comfort and social interaction
       • is a part of forming attachments
   • a newer learning theory explanation
     • based on social learning theory
       • parents teach children to love them through modelling attachment to other family members
         • e.g. hugging or saying that's a lovely smile