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Cassandra has twin boys, Alexander and Julius, who attend day care - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 14 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 14
Cassandra has twin boys, Alexander and Julius, who attend day care. Cassandra has noticed that the boys react differently when she picks them up from day care; Alexa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cassandra has twin boys, Alexander and Julius, who attend day care - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 14 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: Assess the effects of day care on attachment styles.
Answer
Day care can influence attachment styles in children who spend significant time in care, potentially leading to insecure attachments. For example, children like Julius may become anxious avoidant due to the absence of their parents, as they may not feel their emotional needs are being met. In contrast, children like Alexander who have positive social interactions at day care can develop a secure attachment, as indicated by his enthusiasm upon seeing his mother.
Step 2
AO2: Impacts on social development of Julius.
Answer
Julius's preference for solitary play can suggest he might be experiencing an anxious avoidant attachment style, leading him to ignore Cassandra upon her arrival. This might limit his opportunities to develop social skills, which can affect his relationships and confidence in interacting with peers.
Step 3
AO2: Impacts on cognitive development of Alexander.
Answer
On the other hand, Alexander’s interactions at day care help him develop socially and cognitively. His engagement in word games indicates he is benefitting from the educational environment, as he is starting to recognize letters earlier than Julius, showcasing the positive effect of social play in day care.
Step 4
AO3: Supporting studies and theories.
Answer
Research supports these findings, indicating that children who engage in day care before the age of three can achieve higher cognitive development. For instance, Belsky and Rovine (1988) highlight that children spending over 20 hours in day care can develop insecure attachments, illustrating varying outcomes based on individual circumstances. Furthermore, Andersson's (1992) study underscores the social benefits of day care in enhancing children’s interaction abilities, which is evident in Alexander's experience.