Learning theory

Learning theory

1. Argues attachments are based on the principles of operant and classical conditioning. first attachment often formed to person who looks after child, feeds, changes, cuddles etc.

2. Operant conditioning: Skinner placed hungry animals in boxes and found theyd explore surrounding.

   • accidentally pressed leaver, releasing food quickly learnt to repeat behaviour to gain food reward (positive reinforcement)
     • negative reinforcement- behaviours that lead to unpleasant outcomes are less likely to be repeated

3. Classical conditioning- based on learning through association

   • Pavlov- a unconditioned stimulus provides an unconditioned response

4. Harlows monkies 1958

   • studied 8 infant deprived monkies
   • 2 surrogate mothers, cloth and wire