Summary
Summary Attachment model answers
- Course
- Institution
A* student notes on model answers for AQA exam-style questions in note format, very helpful for a level revision!
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
ellshp
Content preview
Outline and evaluate the learning theory as an explanation of attachment (16 marks)A01 –
1. Learning theory suggests attachment develops through classical and operant conditioning.
2. According to classical conditioning, food (UCS) produces pleasure (UCR). The child learns to
associate the mother with the receival of food, such as milk, and therefore forms an
attachment. The mother becomes associated with the pleasure of receiving food and
becomes a conditioned stimulus for the child.
3. According to operant conditioning food satisfies the infant’s hunger and makes it feel
comfortable again (drive reduction). Positive reinforcement can be seen when the baby
receives food and stops crying.
4. Food is therefore a primary reinforcer. The mother is associated with food and becomes a
secondary reinforcer.
5. Attachment occurs because the infant will seek the person who can supply the reward, who
typically is the mother.
A03 –
Point 1 plausible and scientific as found an established theory
Little albert learnt through classical conditioning to fear rats when they are associated with a loud
noise. Shows how it can be used to teach infants emotional responses to stimuli, thus can likely be
applied to infant associating happiness (emotional response) with a caregiver, leading to an
attachment.
point 2 opposing evidence, Harlow, and Lorenz
Explain what the learning theory would predict should have happened… monkeys show preference
to mother with milk however … Baby monkeys spent more time with a soft towelling mother who
provided no food, preference of contact comfort. Alternate processes may have been ignored.
Suggests explanation is environmentally reductionist and overlooks other explanations of attachment
Point 3 opposing evidence from human studies
Schaffer and Emerson 1964 found in 39% of cases, the mother was not the baby’s main attachment
figure. Attachments more likely to be formed with those who are sensitive and play with the child.
Significance of responsiveness in attachment > feeding.
Environmental reductionism is a HUGE one - this explanation is reducing something as complex as
attachment down to stimulus-response links. Isn't attachment surely more emotional if it's a two
way bond? Think about other factors this explanation ignores!
Nature v nurture - could you bring in Bowlby's monotropic theory as an alternative explanation here
to suggest attachment is not necessarily learnt but may be biological? This could lead on well from
your point on Harlow as Bowlby was largely influenced by the findings of Harlow so this would
make a natural flow in the development of your argument.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ellshp. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.71. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67096 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now