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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: Explain the effects of day care on attachment styles and social development.
Answer
Day care can significantly affect attachment styles in children. Since children like Alexander and Julius spend considerable time away from their families, they may develop different forms of attachment based on their experiences and environment. For instance, Alexander displays a secure attachment by being happy when his mother returns, while Julius may be developing an anxious-avoidant attachment, as evidenced by his indifference towards her.
Furthermore, day care can enhance social skills. Alexander, who interacts with peers and engages in activities like word games, is likely benefiting from socialization, allowing him to develop friendships and learn social rules. In contrast, Julius's solitary play may hinder his social development, making it crucial to consider how the quantity and quality of social interaction in day care can influence children differently.
Step 2
AO2: Assess the differences in development between Alexander and Julius.
Answer
While both boys are exposed to day care, they respond differently based on their individual temperaments and experiences.
Alexander is thriving socially, which is indicative of his healthier social development. The interaction with peers has provided him emotional comfort and cognitive stimulation, evident in his early letter recognition. On the other hand, Julius’s tendency to play alone may signify an emotional struggle, potentially leading to difficulties in forming social bonds and recognizing emotional cues, impacting overall development.
Research indicates that children who interact less with peers may experience delays in social skills and emotional regulation, implying that Julius might need additional support to help him catch up with his brother.
Step 3
AO3: Reference studies supporting the impact of day care on child development.
Answer
Several studies corroborate the findings regarding attachment and development.
Belsky and Rovine's (1988) research shows that children spending more than 20 hours in day care weekly can develop insecure attachments. Additionally, Andersson (1992) found that children in quality day care often exhibit better social skills due to structured peer interactions, which aligns with Alexander's experiences.
However, the EPPE project (2004) highlights that not only the type of day care but also the environmental factors and quality of interactions play crucial roles in a child's development. This sheds light on why Alexander flourished while Julius is struggling, underscoring the importance of social activities in fostering cognitive and emotional growth.