attachment

• What are the two main aspects of caregiver-infant interactions outlined in the specification?

  Reciprocity and interactional synchrony
• What is attachment in the context of caregiver-infant interactions?

  Attachment is an emotional tie or bond between two people, usually a primary caregiver and a child.
• How is the relationship between a caregiver and an infant described?

  The relationship is reciprocal, meaning it is a two-way relationship that endures over time.
• Why are caregiver-infant interactions important in psychological research?

  They provide insight into the type and nature of attachment.
• What does reciprocity refer to in caregiver-infant interactions?

  Reciprocity is when an infant responds to the actions of another person in a form of turn-taking.
• How did Brezelton et al. (1975) describe the interaction of reciprocity?

  They described it as a 'dance' where both individuals respond to each other's movements and rhythm.
• According to Feldman (2007), how does reciprocity change as infants grow?

  Reciprocity increases in frequency as the infant and caregiver pay more attention to each other's verbal and facial communications.
• What is interactional synchrony in caregiver-infant interactions?

  Interactional synchrony occurs when infants mirror the actions or emotions of another person.
• What was the aim of Meltzoff and Moore's (1977) study?

  To examine interactional synchrony in infants.
• What method did Meltzoff and Moore use in their study?

  They used a controlled observation.
• What was the result of Meltzoff and Moore's study?

  There was a clear association between the infants' behaviour and that of the adult model.
• What did Meltzoff and Moore (1983) find in their later research?

  They found the same findings in three-day-old infants.
• What is one limitation of research into caregiver-infant interactions?

  The questionable reliability of testing children due to their constant movements.
• What is a methodological problem with studying interactional synchrony?

  There is the possibility of observer bias in interpreting behaviour.
• What did Koepke et al. (1983) find regarding Meltzoff and Moore's findings?

  They failed to replicate the findings of Meltzoff and Moore.
• What did Isabella et al. (1989) discover about interactional synchrony?

  They found that only securely attached infants engage in interactional synchrony.
• What are the stages of attachment identified by Schaffer?

  1. Asocial (from birth to 2 months)
  2. Indiscriminate attachments (from 2 to 6 months)
  3. Discriminate (specific) attachments (from 7 to 12 months)
  4. Multiple attachments (from 1 year onwards)
• What characterizes the asocial stage of attachment?

  An infant shows similar responses to objects and people, with a preference for faces towards the end of this stage.
• What occurs during the indiscriminate attachments stage?

  An infant shows a preference for human company and can distinguish between different people but does not show stranger anxiety.
• What happens in the discriminate (specific) attachments stage?

  An infant shows a preference for one caregiver, displaying separation and stranger anxiety.
• What are multiple attachments in the context of attachment development?

  Attachment behaviours are displayed towards several different people, forming secondary attachments.
• What was the aim of Schaffer and Emerson's (1964) study?

  To examine the formation of early attachments.
• What was the sample size and demographic in Schaffer and Emerson's study?

  The sample consisted of 60 babies from working-class families in Glasgow.
• How did Schaffer and Emerson collect data in their study?

  They visited the babies in their homes every month for the first 12 months and then once again at 18 months.
• What did Schaffer and Emerson find regarding separation anxiety?

  At around 25–32 weeks, 50% of the children showed separation anxiety towards their mothers.
• What percentage of children had a specific attachment by 40 weeks according to Schaffer and Emerson?

  By 40 weeks, 80% of the children had a specific (discriminate) attachment.
• What is one strength of Schaffer and Emerson's research?

  It has high external validity as observations were conducted in each child's own home.
• What is a criticism of Schaffer and Emerson's research regarding population validity?

  The sample consisted of only working-class families from Glasgow, limiting generalizability.
• What is social desirability bias in the context of Schaffer and Emerson's research?

  Some mothers may not have reported accurate details about their children to appear as 'better' mothers.
• How has the role of the father changed in recent times?

  The role of the father has significantly changed from being a provider to being more involved in caregiving.
• What do some researchers claim about men's ability to form attachments?

  Some researchers claim that men are not equipped to form attachments due to biological evidence.
• What role do some researchers argue fathers play in their children's lives?

  Some researchers argue that fathers provide a different role as a playmate rather than a primary caregiver.
• What did Geiger (1996) find regarding fathers' play interactions?

  Fathers' play interactions were more exciting compared to mothers', while mothers' interactions were more affectionate.
• What did Hrdy (1999) find about fathers' ability to detect infant distress?

  Fathers were less able to detect low levels of infant distress compared to mothers.
• What did Belsky et al. (2009) find regarding fathers and marital intimacy?

  Higher levels of marital intimacy in fathers were associated with secure father-infant attachments.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of caregiver-infant interaction research?

  Strengths:

  • Provides insight into attachment development
  • High external validity in natural settings

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Questionable reliability due to infant behaviour
  • Observer bias in interpreting interactions
  • Limited generalizability due to sample demographics
• What do psychologists suggest about caregiver-infant interactions?

  They suggest that these interactions are present from birth and are products of nature.
• What is a criticism of Schaffer’s stages of attachment theory?

  It takes a nomothetic approach and may not apply to all children in all cultures.
• What is the definition of attachment?

  Attachment is a strong emotional and reciprocal, enduring bond between two people, especially an infant and caregiver.
• What is meant by 'multiple attachment'?

  Multiple attachment refers to attachment behaviours displayed towards several different people.