Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
Psychology
Dec 14, 2025
528
2 pages
Ever wondered why babies form such strong bonds with their parents? Learning theory suggests it's all about conditioning... Show more
Think of attachment like training a pet, but in reverse - the baby learns to love whoever feeds them! Dollard and Miller (1950) reckoned that caregiver-infant bonds develop purely through learning processes, with food being the magic ingredient.
Classical conditioning works by creating associations between different stimuli. Initially, your mum is just another face (neutral stimulus), but because she constantly appears with food, your brain starts linking her with the pleasure of being fed. Eventually, just seeing her face triggers feelings of happiness and comfort - she's become a conditioned stimulus.
Operant conditioning explains why this relationship strengthens over time. When you cry and get fed, crying becomes reinforced behaviour because it works! Meanwhile, your caregiver gets negative reinforcement when the crying stops after feeding you. It's a win-win learning cycle.
The theory suggests attachment is a secondary drive - we're not born wanting mum specifically, but we learn to want her because she satisfies our primary drive for food. Clever, right?
Quick Fact According to learning theory, love is literally learned behaviour based on who meets your survival needs!
Here's the thing though - real-world evidence suggests learning theory doesn't tell the whole story. Animal research shows some serious flaws in this food-focused approach.
Lorenz's geese didn't attach to whoever fed them - they imprinted on the first moving thing they saw (sometimes even Lorenz himself!). Harlow's monkey experiments proved that baby monkeys chose soft, cuddly "mothers" over wire ones that provided food. Comfort trumped cuisine every time.
Human research backs this up too. Schaffer and Emerson found that babies usually formed their strongest attachment with mum, even when dad or grandparents did most of the feeding. This suggests there's more to love than lunch!
Learning theory also completely ignores crucial factors like reciprocity and interactional synchrony (being in tune with each other). These emotional connections seem far more important than simple food associations.
However, don't write off learning theory entirely. Hay and Vespo (1988) proposed that parents might teach children to love them by modelling affectionate behaviour and rewarding loving responses. Some conditioning elements probably do play a role in building those precious early bonds.
Remember While food might start the relationship, it's emotional connection that really builds lasting attachment!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
15
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychology, including its environmental determinism, use of animal research, scientific methods, and real-life applications in behavior therapy. This summary highlights key concepts such as operant conditioning and the implications for the justice system and treatment of phobias.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of attachment through classical and operant conditioning. This summary covers Dollard and Miller's 'cupboard love' theory, the role of primary and secondary drives, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory in explaining attachment. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the principles and effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD) in treating phobias. This summary covers key concepts such as counter conditioning, the fear hierarchy, and the evaluation of SD's success rates and ethical considerations. Ideal for students studying behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
PsychologyStudy notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Bandura's Social Learning Theory, including observational learning, modeling, and the Bobo doll study. This summary highlights the strengths and criticisms of the theory, emphasizing the role of cognitive factors and vicarious reinforcement in learning behaviors. Ideal for students studying psychology and behavioral theories.
PsychologyExplore the key psychological approaches including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theories. This summary covers foundational concepts such as conditioned responses, operant conditioning, and Freud's theories, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each approach's contributions and limitations. Ideal for students seeking to understand the diverse methodologies in psychology.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Ever wondered why babies form such strong bonds with their parents? Learning theory suggests it's all about conditioning and rewards - basically, we learn to love those who meet our needs through psychological processes similar to how we learn everything... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think of attachment like training a pet, but in reverse - the baby learns to love whoever feeds them! Dollard and Miller (1950) reckoned that caregiver-infant bonds develop purely through learning processes, with food being the magic ingredient.
Classical conditioning works by creating associations between different stimuli. Initially, your mum is just another face (neutral stimulus), but because she constantly appears with food, your brain starts linking her with the pleasure of being fed. Eventually, just seeing her face triggers feelings of happiness and comfort - she's become a conditioned stimulus.
Operant conditioning explains why this relationship strengthens over time. When you cry and get fed, crying becomes reinforced behaviour because it works! Meanwhile, your caregiver gets negative reinforcement when the crying stops after feeding you. It's a win-win learning cycle.
The theory suggests attachment is a secondary drive - we're not born wanting mum specifically, but we learn to want her because she satisfies our primary drive for food. Clever, right?
Quick Fact: According to learning theory, love is literally learned behaviour based on who meets your survival needs!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's the thing though - real-world evidence suggests learning theory doesn't tell the whole story. Animal research shows some serious flaws in this food-focused approach.
Lorenz's geese didn't attach to whoever fed them - they imprinted on the first moving thing they saw (sometimes even Lorenz himself!). Harlow's monkey experiments proved that baby monkeys chose soft, cuddly "mothers" over wire ones that provided food. Comfort trumped cuisine every time.
Human research backs this up too. Schaffer and Emerson found that babies usually formed their strongest attachment with mum, even when dad or grandparents did most of the feeding. This suggests there's more to love than lunch!
Learning theory also completely ignores crucial factors like reciprocity and interactional synchrony (being in tune with each other). These emotional connections seem far more important than simple food associations.
However, don't write off learning theory entirely. Hay and Vespo (1988) proposed that parents might teach children to love them by modelling affectionate behaviour and rewarding loving responses. Some conditioning elements probably do play a role in building those precious early bonds.
Remember: While food might start the relationship, it's emotional connection that really builds lasting attachment!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
15
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychology, including its environmental determinism, use of animal research, scientific methods, and real-life applications in behavior therapy. This summary highlights key concepts such as operant conditioning and the implications for the justice system and treatment of phobias.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of attachment through classical and operant conditioning. This summary covers Dollard and Miller's 'cupboard love' theory, the role of primary and secondary drives, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory in explaining attachment. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the principles and effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD) in treating phobias. This summary covers key concepts such as counter conditioning, the fear hierarchy, and the evaluation of SD's success rates and ethical considerations. Ideal for students studying behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
PsychologyStudy notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Bandura's Social Learning Theory, including observational learning, modeling, and the Bobo doll study. This summary highlights the strengths and criticisms of the theory, emphasizing the role of cognitive factors and vicarious reinforcement in learning behaviors. Ideal for students studying psychology and behavioral theories.
PsychologyExplore the key psychological approaches including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theories. This summary covers foundational concepts such as conditioned responses, operant conditioning, and Freud's theories, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each approach's contributions and limitations. Ideal for students seeking to understand the diverse methodologies in psychology.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology
Biology