Note from 2015 exam: AO2 Bowlby’s theory of attachment (/6)

Attachment “Explanations of attachment: learning theory”

Attachment: AO1 Describe the Behavioural theory of attachment AO2 Apply classical conditioning procedures to novel scenarios AO3 Evaluate the behavioural theory of attachment by considering research from Harlow etc.

Homework:

We will be studying 2 explanations of why infants attach: 2. Evolutionary Theory (Bowlby) 1.Learning Theory (Dollard & Miller)

The Learning Theory Classical Conditioning (through association) Operant Conditioning (through consequences)

Learning Theory This theory suggests we learn to attach due to the rewards that it provides us with. Therefore attachment is not innate. Attachment is a set of learned behaviors (i.e. results from experience of the environment, not innate processes)

Classical conditioning: Learning through association

Pavlov? Ring a bell?

Unconditioned stimulus Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure) Neutral Stimulus No Conditioned Response Unconditioned stimulus + Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure)

Unconditioned stimulus Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure) Neutral Stimulus No Conditioned Response Unconditioned stimulus + Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure)

Classical conditioning: Before conditioning Neutral Stimulus No Conditioned Response

Classical conditioning: Before conditioning Unconditioned Stimulus Conditioned Response (Pleasure)

Classical conditioning: Unconditioned stimulus Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure)

Classical conditioning: During conditioning Unconditioned stimulus + Neutral stimulus Unconditioned Response (Pleasure) And if this is repeated numerous times, a conditioned response is formed So that now in the absence of the food, the pleasure response is elicited when the mother is present…

Classical conditioning: after conditioning Conditioned Response (Pleasure) Conditioned Stimulus

Does classical conditioning explain why the PRIMARY CAREGIVER also becomes attached? No. Operant conditioning does though..

Operant conditioning Attachment through consequences If a behaviour is reinforced it is more likely to be repeated.

+ive consequences reinforce behaviours When child feels hungry & is fed, food gives a feeling of pleasure (primary re-enforcer) Person who supplies food associated with avoiding discomfort and becomes secondary re-enforcer (& source of pleasure in own right) Attachment occurs because child seeks person who can supply reward Operant conditioning Attachment behaviour is rewarded so they continue doing it/do more of it!

Infant learns that crying, smiling brings positive response from adults (positive reinforcement) Adult learns that responding to cries etc. brings relief from noise (negative reinforcement) Operant conditioning

How does operant conditioning explain why the PCG (primary care giver) becomes attached? THINK, PAIR, SHARE

Whiteboards! What psychological approach was responsible for the learning theory? The behaviourist approach

Whiteboards! According to the Learning Theory, what are the two main ways in which attachment can be formed? Classical conditioning – through association Operant conditioning – through consequences

Whiteboards! What is classical conditioning? Involves learning to associate two stimuli together so that we begin to respond to one in the same way we already respond to the other.

Whiteboards! What is operant conditioning?

The Learning Theory predicts that: The child will form attachments on the basis of primary care provision (feeding etc.) Attachment behavior should increase steadily from birth The strongest attachments will be with those who provide the most primary care.

Harlow =_O60TYAIgC4 How does this experiment support/not support the Learning Theory?

Baby monkeys did not become attached to milk-feeding wire mother monkey Became attached to cloth wire covered monkey (that didn’t feed them) & sought comfort from it when frightened Suggests softness, warmth, comfort leads to attachment Harlow

Complete Evaluation Worksheet 10 mins

Evaluation of The Learning Theory Limitations: SCHAFFER & EMERSON (1964) HARLOW (1958) Original Learning Theory uses food to develop the attachment. Strengths This is a common-sense explanation of attachment, which was assumed to be true for many years. Evidence suggests that emotional responses can be acquired through conditioning

GAME Group 1 Group 2 Instructions: Each group will get an envelope. Inside this envelope is a question. Your task is to answer this question with your group, and bring the answer to me. Once you give me the answer and I have checked it, I will give you the next question. Inside each envelope is a letter. Once you’ve collected all envelopes (and letters), you should be able to make a word, name or place. You need to, with the rest of your group (and with the help of your books/textbooks) tell me what that word, name or place refers to.

SEMINAR Read the essay. Give the essay a mark out of 8 SUCCESS CRITERIA FOR LEARNING THEORY ESSAY

AO1 Learning theory suggests attachment develops through classical and operant conditioning. According to classical conditioning food (UCS) produces pleasure (UCR). The mother is associated with the pleasure and becomes a conditioned stimulus. According to operant conditioning food satisfies the infant’s hunger and makes it feel comfortable again (drive reduction). Food is therefore a primary reinforcer. The mother is associated with food and becomes a secondary reinforcer. The infant becomes attached to the mother because she is a source of reward. Candidates may refer to classical conditioning, operant conditioning or both. The explanation must be directly linked to attachment. Unrelated descriptions of classical or operant conditioning are not credit-worthy. AO3 Evaluation of learning theory could include reference to research studies such as Schaffer and Emerson who found that less than half of infants had a primary attachment to the person who usually fed them. Responsiveness seemed to be the key to attachment. Harlow’s research suggesting the importance of contact comfort rather than food could also be made relevant. Alternative explanations, such as Bowlby’s evolutionary theory, could gain credit as long as they are used as evaluation and not simply described. Commentary on implications could be credit-worthy. LevelMarksDescription 47 – 8Knowledge of Dollard & Miller’s learning theory of attachment is accurate and generally well detailed. Evaluation is effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused on formation of attachment. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail and / or expansion of argument sometimes lacking. 35 – 6Knowledge of Dollard & Miller’s learning theory of attachment is evident. There are occasional inaccuracies. There is some effective evaluation. The answer is mostly clear and organised, with focus on formation of attachment. Specialist terminology mostly used effectively. 23 – 4Knowledge of Dollard & Miller’s learning theory of attachment is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any evaluation is of limited effectiveness. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy, organisation and focus in places. Specialist terminology used inappropriately on occasions. 11 – 2Knowledge of Dollard & Miller’s learning theory of attachment is limited. Evaluation is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology, either absent or inappropriately used. 0No relevant content.

SEMINAR 1.Read the essay again 2.Highlight AO1 and AO3 points 3.Turn this into a plan in the AO1/AO3 PEELs.

Describe and evaluate the Learning Theory of Attachment (8 marks) AO1AO3

HomeworkHomework HomeworkHomework Make sure you’re ready for next lesson. You’ll be writing the 8 mark essay without your plan.