Learning Theory

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Attachment: A strong and emotional bond that develops between to individuals over time and is reciprocal.

Learning theory: The name given to a group of explanations (classical and operant conditioning) that propose that all behaviour is leaned rather than inborn. Children are born as blank slates (tabula rasa) and everything they become can be explained in terms of the experiences they have. Also known as the cupboard love theory of attachment because it suggests that attachment is based on food alone.

Classical conditioning is learning through association. It is based on stimulus/response mechanisms. Pavlov conducted research into how attachments are formed between dogs and their caregivers. The food is the unconditioned stimulus and this leads to pleasure and salivation, the unconditioned response. During the conditioning, the caregiver (the natural stimulus)


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