Explanations of Attachment - Learning Theory

Explanations of Attachment - Learning Theory

1. Classical conditioning

   • Pavlov and his dogs
   • This process occurs when an association is formed between a stimulus in the environment that already naturally produces a response, and a neutral stimulus, so that the neutral stimulus brings about the same response
   • The theory suggests that attachment behaviours are learnt through the association of the mother with food
   • FOOD (unconditioned stimulus)
     • PLEASURE (unconditioned response)
     • FOOD (unconditioned stimulus) + CAREGIVER (neutral stimulus)
       • PLEASURE (unconditioned response)
       • CAREGIVER (conditioned stimulus)
         • PLEASURE (conditioned response)

2. Operant Conditioning

   • Skinner and his rats
   • The theory of operant conditioning suggests that humans and other animals learn from the consequences of their behaviour. Behaviours which have good consequences (are reinforced) and are likely to be repeated
   • positive reinforcement
     • the consequence of the behaviour is something pleasant
   • Negative reinforecment
     • the consequence of the behaviour is to avoid something unpleasant
   • Dollard and Miller (1950)
     • suggested that hunger is a very unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for the infant.
       • Since infants are helpless and incapable of allleviating the hunger themselves, the only thing they can do is cry
         • This causes the caregiver to bring food to the infant
           • The caregiver feeding the infant causes the removal of the discomfort of hunger for the infant. Therefore for the infant being with their carer is associated with the removal of discomfort
             • this is negative reinforcement

3. Evaluation

   • Bowlby (1973) criticised the explanation arguing that he didnt agree that attachments were primary about food
   • Schaffer and Emerson (1964) on 39% of cases the mother (usually) figure suggesting that feeding is not the primary explanation of attachment. Goes against the learning theory
   • Fox (1977) found that children more attached to their mothers rather than Nannys who did the feeding going against the learning theory
   • Reductionist as it simplifies attachment behaviour as focuses too much on feeding
   • Schaffer (1971) babies don't live to eat they eat to live