Attachment AO3

Question 1

Strength of Research into infant-caregiver interactions

Answer 1

Controlled observations capture fine detail. They are generally well controlled ensuring very fine details of behaviour can be recorded and analysed. Babies are also unaware of observation so no change in behaviour. Matters because it means research has high validity.

Question 2

Weaknesses of Research into infant-caregiver interactions

Answer 2

• Observations don’t tell us purpose of synchrony and reciprocity. Feldman stated they simply describe behaviours that occur at the same time. They can be reliably observed but it doesn’t tell us purpose of infant-caregiver interactions. Matters because suggests further research is needed.
• Explanation not found in all cultures. Le Vine et al found Kenyan mothers have little physical interactions or contact with infants but still have high proportion of secure attachments. Research may be ethnocentric and ignore how attachments form in other cultures. Matters because lacks population validity.