Fill in the blank: Testing Zach's Attachment and Separation Anxiety

What is the purpose of the experiment involving Nora's son, Zach, and Dr. Rodriquez in the research laboratory?

The experiment is set up to test Zach's attachment or separation anxiety in the absence of his mother.

Understanding Attachment and Separation Anxiety in Children

Attachment refers to the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver, usually the mother. It is a crucial aspect of a child's emotional and social development. In this scenario, Nora brings her 19-month-old son, Zach, to a research laboratory to participate in an experiment that involves leaving Zach with Dr. Rodriquez, a stranger to him, while Nora exits the room.

By observing Zach's behavior and reactions when separated from his mother, researchers aim to gain insights into his attachment style and level of separation anxiety. This experiment is designed to understand how Zach responds to being left alone with a stranger and to assess the strength of his attachment to his mother.

Understanding Zach's reactions in this experiment can provide valuable information about child development and attachment theory. It allows researchers to explore attachment patterns and separation anxiety in young children like Zach, contributing to the broader understanding of emotional bonding and social development.