1. What is habituation? How is it used to measure cognitive processes in infants? (pg. 193)
Habituation can be described as when there is less of a response to a stimulus that is repeated
frequently. As a person is exposed to the same stimulation numerous times, there is little to no
reaction to said stimulation. Habituation is used to measure cognitive processes in infants
because it allows us to observe what a baby can see/remember, this can be observed because the
infant would express habituation when shown something that is familiar, thus showing an
understanding of what is being shown. For example, if an infant has never been shown a fruit
such as a strawberry, it it more likely to look at the object for an extended period of time unlike
if the infant is exposed to a familiar object.
2. What are the differences between secure and insecure attachment? Describe three
parenting styles. Offer three potential explanations for the link between authoritative
parenting and social competence.
If a child is securely attached to a person (usually the mother), it is more likely to have a better
reaction to stress, is more likely to explore new things, and form better relationships with others
compared to an insecurely attached child. An insecurely attached child usually has a negative
perception of adults and usually avoid other people, have little interaction with others, and are
under extreme duress when put in any new/unfamiliar experiences. One type of parenting is
permissive in which the parent shows little restraint on the freedom of their child. Permissive
parenting usually doesn’t include many rules or limits and usually don’t include punishments.
There are also authoritarian parents who give many rules and expect the child to follow the rules
without complaint. Another type of parenting is authoritative, these parents are a mixture of
permissive and authoritarian parents in which they demand compliance with rules, but are
understanding with typically older children with speaking about and adjusting rules while
making exceptions sometimes. One possible explanation for the link between authoritative
parenting and social competence could be that children who come from an authoritative
household are more likely to have high self esteem and self reliance which are key traits for
social competence. Also, children who are agreeable would allow the parents to have an
authoritative parenting style. Lastly, authoritative parents may have the most socially competent
children because they give a child the most feeling of control in their lives.
3. What findings in psychology support the stage theory of development and the idea of
stability in personality across the lifespan? What findings challenge these ideas?
Habituation can be described as when there is less of a response to a stimulus that is repeated
frequently. As a person is exposed to the same stimulation numerous times, there is little to no
reaction to said stimulation. Habituation is used to measure cognitive processes in infants
because it allows us to observe what a baby can see/remember, this can be observed because the
infant would express habituation when shown something that is familiar, thus showing an
understanding of what is being shown. For example, if an infant has never been shown a fruit
such as a strawberry, it it more likely to look at the object for an extended period of time unlike
if the infant is exposed to a familiar object.
2. What are the differences between secure and insecure attachment? Describe three
parenting styles. Offer three potential explanations for the link between authoritative
parenting and social competence.
If a child is securely attached to a person (usually the mother), it is more likely to have a better
reaction to stress, is more likely to explore new things, and form better relationships with others
compared to an insecurely attached child. An insecurely attached child usually has a negative
perception of adults and usually avoid other people, have little interaction with others, and are
under extreme duress when put in any new/unfamiliar experiences. One type of parenting is
permissive in which the parent shows little restraint on the freedom of their child. Permissive
parenting usually doesn’t include many rules or limits and usually don’t include punishments.
There are also authoritarian parents who give many rules and expect the child to follow the rules
without complaint. Another type of parenting is authoritative, these parents are a mixture of
permissive and authoritarian parents in which they demand compliance with rules, but are
understanding with typically older children with speaking about and adjusting rules while
making exceptions sometimes. One possible explanation for the link between authoritative
parenting and social competence could be that children who come from an authoritative
household are more likely to have high self esteem and self reliance which are key traits for
social competence. Also, children who are agreeable would allow the parents to have an
authoritative parenting style. Lastly, authoritative parents may have the most socially competent
children because they give a child the most feeling of control in their lives.
3. What findings in psychology support the stage theory of development and the idea of
stability in personality across the lifespan? What findings challenge these ideas?
