Learning Theory

Learning Theory

1. AO1

   • Classical Conditioning
     • S/R/A
     • NS UCS = UCR
       • After repetition and association between NS and UCR
         • CS = CR
   • Operant Conditioning
     • R/R
     • Drive state = motivation
       • Primary reinforcer = drive reduction = reward
         • Secondary reinforcer source of reward therefore seeks to be near

2. AO2

   • States reinforcements make behaviours occur and punishments reduce behaviour from happening
     • Contradicted by attachments children have with cruel parents
   • Too reductionist
     • Reduces complex human behaviour to S/R/A and R/R
       • Therefore reduces value of insight gives when explaining attachment formation
         • As there might be biological factors involved e.g. genes
   • Predicts that attachment will be with the person who provides the most drive reduction
     • Harlow's research contradicts this
       • 22 hours with cloth mother
       • 2 hours with wire food mother
       • Therefore contradicts key concept in LT that suggests drive reduction for hunger is main factor of attachment
   • Predicts that if reinforcements go away the behaviour will soon disappear too
     • However not true for attachment as absence only strengthens attachments