Caregiver-infant interaction Flashcards
What is the definition for an attachment?
a close two-way emotional bond between two individuals in which each individual sees the other as essential for their own emotional security.
What behaviors are displayed when two individuals are attached
Proximity: people try and stay physically close to those whom which they are attached.
Separation distress/anxiety: people are distressed when an attachment figure leaves their presence.
Secure base behaviour: even when we are independent of our attachment figures, we tend to make regular contact with them because they make us feel safe. This is usually a mother,
(Feldman, 2007)
Mothers typically pick up on and respond to infant alertness around two-thirds
of the time
What is reciprocity
When each person responds to the other and elicits a response from them.
What is interactional synchrony?
Two people are said to be synchronized when they carry out the same action simultaneously.
Why is interactional synchrony important?
It is believed that interactional synchrony is important for the development of mother-infant attachment.
Researcher Isabelle et al (1989) observed 30 mothers and infants together and assessed the degree of synchrony and the quality of mother-infant attachment.
They found that high levels of synchrony were associated with better quality mother-infant attachment (emotional intensity of the relationship).
What was the aim and type of investigation for Key Research: Meltzoff & Moore (1977)
To examine interactional synchrony in infants
Observational study, controlled observation
What was the method for Key Research: Meltzoff & Moore (1977)
An adult displayed one of three facial expressions or one of three distinctive gestures and the child’s response was filmed.
What were the results for Key Research: Meltzoff & Moore (1977)
Clear association between the infants’ behaviour and that of the adult model. Later research found the same findings in 3 day old infants.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that interactional synchrony is innate, reducing claims that imitative behaviour is learned.
What is a critsism of Key Research: Meltzoff & Moore (1977)
A criticism of Meltzoff & Moore’s research is that recent research has found that only securely attached infants engage in interactional synchrony.
Suggesting that not all children engage in interactional synchrony. M&M’s original findings may have overlooked individual differences.
What is a limitation for research into interactions between other and infant
P: A limitation to research into interactions between other and infant is that it is hard to know what is happening when observing infants.
E: Many studies into mother-infant interactions have shown the same patterns of behaviour (Gratier 2003). However, what is being observed is merely hand movements or
changes in expression.
C: This means that we cannot be certain that behaviours seen in mother-infant interactions
have a special meaning.
What is a strength for research into interactions between other and infant
P: A strength of this research is that controlled observations capture fine detail.
E: Mother-infant interactions are usually filmed, often from multiple angles. Very fine details of behaviour can be recorded and analysed later. Babies don’t know they are being observed so their behaviour does not change in response to observation.
C: This is a strength of this line of research because it means the studies have good validity.
CA: Although observations are filmed, all observational research is still prone to bias in observer interpretations. This can be addressed by having more than one observer/research to ensure that there is inter-observer reliability.
Limitations of type of investigation done in research into interactions between other and infant?
P: A limitation of observations is that they do not tell us the purpose of synchrony and reciprocity.
E: Researchers point out that synchrony and reciprocity simply describe behaviours that occur at the same time, they can be observed clearly but this does not tell us their purpose.
C: However, there is some evidence that reciprocal interaction and synchrony are helpful in the development of mother-infant attachment, as well as helpful in stress responses, empathy, language and moral development.
What is an issues and debates limitation for research into interactions between other and infant
P: Another limitation from research into mother-infant interaction is that it is socially sensitive.
E: This is because it suggests that children may be disadvantaged by particular child-rearing practices. Specifically mothers who return to work shortly after a child is born, restricting the opportunities for achieving interactional synchrony.
C: Therefore, this may place guilt and pressure on mothers to avoid any separation from their infant in fear it will compromise their developing infant-caregiver attachment.
Briefly discuss how researchers might address difficulties encountered when
trying to investigate caregiver-infant interaction.
A limitation of research into caregiver-infant interaction is that observations
are the most appropriate type of investigation. This means that there is more
risk of encountering the challenge of bias in observers interpretation of
behaviour. This can be addressed by having more than one observer
interpret behaviour to ensure that findings are consistent and therefore
reliable.
A further limitation of working with infants and new mothers is the risk of
conducting socially sensitive research. The findings gathered on such
research may mean that there are negative assumptions and judgement on
child-rearing techniques. This can be addressed by researchers taking
special care when publishing their findings, ensuring that they are adhering to
privacy and confidentiality guidelines.
