In Summarizing the Literature on the Contribution of Infant Temperament

question 129

Multiple Choice

In summarizing the literature on the contribution of infant temperament and maternal caregiving to the quality of infant attachments, it appears that

• A) the quality of infant attachments depends almost exclusively on the mother's patterns of caregiving
• B) infant temperament is the primary determinant of the quality of attachments
• C) mothers who provide high levels of stimulation are contributing to the development of secure attachments, regardless of their babies' temperamental characteristics
• D) secure attachments evolve when there is a good fit between the caregiving a baby receives and his or her temperament

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Definitions:

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior, encouraging the occurrence of desired behaviors.

Observational Learning

A learning process through which behaviors are acquired by watching and imitating others.

Primary Reinforcers

Stimuli that are naturally rewarding and satisfy basic biological needs, such as food, water, and warmth, and do not require learning to be effective.

Secondary Reinforcers

Stimuli that have acquired reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcers, such as money or praise.