Attachment- Caregiver-infant Interactions

Question 1

Many studies involving observation of interactions between mothers and infants have shown the same patterns of interaction (Gratier, 2003). However, what is being observed is merely hand movements or changes in expression. It is extremely difficult to be certain, based on these observations, what is taking place from the infants perspective. For example, is the infants imitation of adult signals conscious and deliberate?

Answer 1

Limitation.

Cannot be certain of infants perspective so uncertain of infants imitations being conscious and deliberate.
— No idea if it has any special meaning.

Question 2

Observations of mother-infant interactions are generally well controlled procedures, with both mother and infant being filmed, often from multiple angles. This ensures that very fine details of behaviour can be recorded and later analysed. Furthermore, babies don’t know or care that they are being observed so their behaviour does not change in response to controlled observation- which is generally a problem for observational research.

Answer 2

Strength.

Observations are a well-controlled procedure.
— High internal validity.
No demand characteristics from babies.

Question 3

Feldman (2012) points out that synchrony (and by implication reciprocity) simply describe behaviours that occur at the same time. However, there is some evidence that reciprocal interaction and synchrony are helpful in the development of mother-infant attachment, as well as helpful in stress responses, empathy, language and moral development.

Answer 3

Strength and limitation.

• Other explanations for importance of attachment (L) as not much detail.
  + simple explanation for attachment (s)

Question 4

Research into the role of fathers in attachment is confusing because different researchers are interested in different research questions. On one hand, some psychologists are interested in understanding the role rather have as secondary attachment figures whereas others are more concerned with the father as primary attachment figures.the former have tended to see fathers behaving differently from mothers and having a distinct role. The latter have tended to find that fathers can take on a ‘maternal’ role.

Answer 4

Limitation.

Different questions so which is more valid/useful?
— can get confusing.
Findings are inconsistent.

Question 5

The study by Grossman found that fathers as secondary attachment figures had an important role in their children’s development.