Fig. 1 shows the apparatus used in a nursery study. A crawling infant is placed on the shallow side of a glass-covered platform. Beneath one half is a patte...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows the apparatus used in a nursery study. A crawling infant is placed on the shallow side of a glass-covered platform. Beneath one half is a patterned surface close to the glass, while beneath the other half the same pattern is much lower. Researchers observe whether the infant crosses the apparent drop.
(a) Name the apparatus shown. [1]
(b) Describe what a refusal to cross the deep side suggests about the infant's perception. [2]
(c) Explain one limitation of using refusal to cross as the measure of depth perception. [2]
(d) Outline one ethical safeguard needed in this study. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Visual cliff [1] (b) The infant discriminates the apparent drop / depth [1]; it may perceive the deep side as unsafe or too far down [1]. (c) Refusal could be caused by fear, temperament, or reluctance to crawl rather than depth perception [1]; therefore the behaviour is not a certain measure of perception [1]. (d) Obtain informed consent from the parent [1]; ensure the glass is secure and the infant cannot fall / stop if distressed [1].
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
