I think this is a classic problem.
When I teach behavioral procedures I give the example of a child crying being picked up by her or his parent as an example of positive reinforcement. In similar circumstances the baby will cry again and this last crying is the best evidence that there was positive reinforce. But I alert my students that this example does not teach us that we should not pick up a child when she or he cries. And I give the example of attachment theory as a theory that suggests that we should promote secure attachments. I do not know anything about what Laura Spiegel said but I advice you to see if she has some theory for doing that suggestion. What results are more adequate or positive when we do not pick a child that is crying, and why. In behavioral theory we only have a theory of behavior and not of bonding, of attachment. You have to see what theory is she formulating. I think these tensions and apparent contradictions are rich moments of learning…. My best Jose _____________________________________ José Ferreira Alves, Ph.D Program in adult development and aging Department of Psychology (IEP) University of Minho Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga - Portugal Tel: +351253604233 (office) Fax: +351253604224 Tel cel. +351919378514 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.cipsi.uminho.pt www.iep.uminho.pt www.uminho.pt De: kleisslers [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Enviada: terça-feira, 17 de Junho de 2008 15:02 Para: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Assunto: [tips] allowing infants to cry Hi Tipsters, I have a question about allowing babies to cry.My previous readings (5 years or so ago) indicated that one should pick up a crying baby quickly, because this would promote a secure attachment, and in the long run a securely attached baby cries less as well. My latest reading (e.g. Laura Spiegel) recommends letting babies "cry it out", indicating that this is good for them physically and emotionally. Does anyone know which approach has better support in the literature? Thanks, Kathleen Kleissler, Assistant Prof. Psychology Dept. Kutztown University Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-4465 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
