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Reesa Reonal

Ms. Robin

AP Psychology

Observation C Write-up

When Reesa first arrives at Melvin’s house, Melvin immediately starts a conversation

with her. This demonstrates that at four years old, Melvin has gotten over stranger anxiety, the

fear of strangers that many young children display (Myer 150). Melvin’s ease with Reesa also

demonstrates that he has basic trust, the sense that the world is predictable and trustworthy (Myer

154). Basic trust is a trait that is most common among securely attached children (Myer 154).

Reesa and Melinda end their conversation with Melvin by telling him they have to work on

something. While Reesa and Melinda sit in a separate area where they won’t get distracted,

Melvin’s mom makes him a snack of chicken nuggets. As he waits for his mom to finish cooking

the nuggets, Melvin begins playing with his new Leapster handheld video game. He is well-

behaved, focusing his attention on the game. As the video game voice gives him directions, he

appears to have memorized the directions and speaks along with the voice. A few minutes later,

the nuggets are done and Melvin’s mom returns to the table with Melvin’s snack. Melvin seems

oblivious to his mom’s presence at the kitchen table and continues concentrating on his video

game. Melvin’s mom tells him to eat, but he declines and returns to playing his video game.

When Melvin finished the game, he smiles, looking very proud of his new accomplishment. He

shows off his achievement to his mother, who praises her son. Melvin’s mom then tells him to

work on his homework from preschool. Melvin strongly refuses and returns to his video game.

While Melvin continues playing, his mom leaves the kitchen to do some laundry. Melvin does
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not notice and continues to entertain himself with the game while she is gone. Melvin’s actions

demonstrate a secure attachment with his mother. When his mother was not by his side, he had

no trouble occupying himself at all. He did not cry or cling to her, and seemed comfortably in his

own world. On the other hands, he shows signs on insecure attachment by not fully exploring the

environment around him and appearing indifferent to his mother’s coming and going

(Attachment theory).

Melvin’s drawing of his family demonstrates secure attachment. In the drawing, all the

members of his family, including himself, are standing right next to each other which can

symbolize closeness Melvin feels with them. All the family members are shown smiling. This

can show that Melvin has an idea that his family is having an all loving towards one another.

Melvin also drew his parents taller than the children. This shows that he understands that they

have a bigger power over the children. They are the authoritative figures in the family.