Caregiver-infant interaction

Two researchers conducted an observational study of reciprocity involving mother-infant pairs in a controlled environment.

What is meant by reciprocity in attachment?

To conduct the observation of mother-infant pairs, the researchers needed examples of reciprocal behaviours that they could record.

Suggest two examples of reciprocal behaviours that could be used as behavioural categories in this study.

Outline one way in which the reciprocal behaviours could be sampled in this study.

Discuss findings from studies that have investigated the role of the father in attachment.

Zara’s baby, Sunta, is a few weeks old.

The rest of the family laugh along as Zara sticks her tongue out at Sunta and Sunta does the same thing back to her.

Which feature of caregiver-infant interaction does this example illustrate?

The rest of the family also think it’s cute when Zara rocks Sunta to sleep and their heads seem to move in time with one another.

Which feature of caregiver-infant interaction does this example illustrate?

Which two of the following attachment concepts were not introduced by Bowlby?

Shade two boxes only.

Discuss research into caregiver-infant interactions in humans.

Outline findings from research into the role of the father in attachment.

Explain the economic implications of research into the role of the father in attachment.

Two mothers at the toddler and parent group are chatting.

“I always felt sorry for my husband when Millie was a baby. He used to say his bond with Millie was not as strong as mine because I was breastfeeding.”

“I’m not sure”, replies the other mother. “I think there’s something about a mother’s love that makes it more special anyway – and so important for future development.”

Discuss the learning theory of attachment and Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment. Refer to the conversation above in your answer.

Name three of the stages of attachment identified by Schaffer.

What is meant by ‘reciprocity’ in the context of caregiver-infant interaction?

Briefly evaluate research into caregiver-infant interaction.