Learning theory.
Dollard and Miller (1950) said that caregiver-infant attachment can be explained by
learning theory. Sometimes called ‘cupboard love’ as it suggests that children learn to love
whoever feeds them.
Classical conditioning - learning by association
This involves learning to associate 2 stimuli together so that we respond to both in the same
way. Food is the unconditioned stimulus and pleasure from being fed is the unconditioned
response.
A caregiver starts as a neutral stimulus (produces no response). When the same person
provides the food repeatedly they become associated with food – when the baby sees the
caregiver they expect food. The caregiver is now a conditioned stimulus and produces a
conditioned response of pleasure.
Operant conditioning – learning by consequences
This involves learning to repeat behaviour, or not. Pleasant consequences reinforce
behaviour.
Operant conditioning can explain why babies cry for comfort. Crying causes a response, like
feeding, from the caregiver. If the caregiver provides the correct response, crying is
reinforced. The caregiver responds with comforting ‘social suppressor’ behaviour.
Reinforcement is a 2-way process as the caregiver receives negative reinforcement because
the crying stops – escaping from something unpleasant. This process strengthens
attachment.
Secondary drive
Learning theory also involves the concept of drive reduction. Hunger is a primary drive –
it’s an innate, biological motivator. We are motivated to eat reduce the hunger drive.
Sears et Al. (1957) said that as caregivers provide food, the primary drive of hunger
becomes generalised to them. Attachment is therefore a secondary drive, learned by
association between the caregiver and satisfaction of a primary drive.
Dollard and Miller (1950) said that caregiver-infant attachment can be explained by
learning theory. Sometimes called ‘cupboard love’ as it suggests that children learn to love
whoever feeds them.
Classical conditioning - learning by association
This involves learning to associate 2 stimuli together so that we respond to both in the same
way. Food is the unconditioned stimulus and pleasure from being fed is the unconditioned
response.
A caregiver starts as a neutral stimulus (produces no response). When the same person
provides the food repeatedly they become associated with food – when the baby sees the
caregiver they expect food. The caregiver is now a conditioned stimulus and produces a
conditioned response of pleasure.
Operant conditioning – learning by consequences
This involves learning to repeat behaviour, or not. Pleasant consequences reinforce
behaviour.
Operant conditioning can explain why babies cry for comfort. Crying causes a response, like
feeding, from the caregiver. If the caregiver provides the correct response, crying is
reinforced. The caregiver responds with comforting ‘social suppressor’ behaviour.
Reinforcement is a 2-way process as the caregiver receives negative reinforcement because
the crying stops – escaping from something unpleasant. This process strengthens
attachment.
Secondary drive
Learning theory also involves the concept of drive reduction. Hunger is a primary drive –
it’s an innate, biological motivator. We are motivated to eat reduce the hunger drive.
Sears et Al. (1957) said that as caregivers provide food, the primary drive of hunger
becomes generalised to them. Attachment is therefore a secondary drive, learned by
association between the caregiver and satisfaction of a primary drive.
