Four-month-old baby Oscar is a participant in a preferential-looking experiment.Researchers show Oscar two photos, one of which is of his mother's face, and the other which is of a female stranger's face.The photos are presented repeatedly in differing locations, and the amount of time Oscar spends looking at the photos is recorded.What will researchers conclude if Oscar shows a reliable preference for his mother's face over the stranger's face?

A) Oscar can discriminate his mother's face from a stranger's face.
B) Oscar is afraid of strangers.
C) Oscar likes strangers as much as his mothers.
D) Oscar can't see very well.

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Derek Schreffler · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  If Oscar shows a reliable preference for his mother's face over the stranger's face, it suggests that he is able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar faces. This indicates that Oscar is capable of visual recognition and has an attachment and familiarity with his mother's face. It does not necessarily mean that he is afraid of strangers or likes them less than his mother. The experiment tests discrimination, not fear or liking. The experiment is also not testing the acuity of Oscar's vision, so option D is not relevant.

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