A - caregiver-infant interactions (A03)

Question 1

What is a strength of the research into caregiver-infant interactions? - Highly controlled

Answer 1

===> Meltzoff and Moore (1977) filmed observations from multiple angles so high level of detail recorded and later analysed. Babies don’t understand they’re being observed so no demand characteristics. Overall high internal validity

Question 2

What is a limitation of the research into caregiver-infant interactions? - Lack generalisability due to presence of individual differences

Answer 2

Isabella (1989) found individual differences affected level of interactional synchrony (quality of baby-mother attachment) so researchers can’t take a nomothetic approach to studying caregiver-infant interactions.

Question 3

What is a limitation of the research into caregiver-infant interactions? - Socially sensitive

Answer 3

Suggests children may be disadvantaged by certain child raising practices. Mothers who return to work quickly after child’s birth may restrict their child’s opportunity for interaction. Questions how the research should be disseminated because it may pressurise a parent’s choice or lead to judgement.

Question 4

What is a limitation of the research into caregiver-infant interactions? - Intentionality

Answer 4

Many studies record the babies’ movements but difficult to ascertain whether infant intends to make the movements as they have poor coordination and motor skills. Possible low construct validity in research in this area.