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What concern was raised regarding the emotional state of infants during the experiment?

  1. Infants were overly excited

  2. Infants may have been distressed

  3. Infants reacted positively to all conditions

  4. Infants did not show any recognizable emotions

The correct answer is: Infants may have been distressed

The concern regarding the emotional state of infants during the experiment highlights the possibility that infants may have been distressed. In psychological research, especially regarding subjects as vulnerable as infants, it is crucial to consider their emotional wellbeing. Distress can manifest in various ways, including crying, withdrawal, or visible signs of discomfort. Recognizing that infants may not fully understand their environment or the procedures being carried out means that their emotional responses can be significant indicators of how they are experiencing the conditions of the experiment. Concern for an infant's distress is particularly important when interpreting research findings. If the infants were indeed distressed, it could impact their behavior and responses, leading to skewed results that may not accurately reflect their natural reactions. This consideration calls attention to the ethical aspects of conducting research with infants, as researchers have a responsibility to mitigate any potential emotional distress caused during experiments. It creates a dialogue around how experiments should be designed to ensure the emotional and psychological safety of young participants.