caregiver-infant interactions

Question 1

Define attachment

Answer 1

An emotional bond between two people that endures over time and results in clinging / proximity seeking behaviour.

Question 2

Define reciprocity

Answer 2

When one person responds to another, eliciting a response in another.

Question 3

Define interactional synchrony

Answer 3

When individuals interact by imitating behaviours and emotions simultaneously.

Question 4

Meltzoff and Moore’s (1977) procedure 1:

Procedure 2:

Answer 4

Adult displayed facial expressions / hand movements whilst a 3 week old baby watched with dummy.

Repeated the study with a 3 day old baby.

Question 5

Meltzoff and Moore’s (1977) findings:

Conclusion:

Answer 5

Once dummy was removed the infants expressions were similar to those displayed.

Behavioural responses are innate, they’re not learnt. Imitation is deliberate / intentional.

Question 6

LIMITATION: Cannot tell if actions have a special meaning.

Answer 6

Cannot tell if actions are deliberate and conscious as we are only observing general hand / face movement.

Question 7

Baby plays an active role.

Answer 7

Baby also initiates interaction.

Question 8

STRENGTH: well-controlled.

Answer 8

Interactions are filmed so they can be analysed later.

Babies don’t know they’re being observed so behaviour is not affected. High validity.

Question 9

LIMITATION: socially sensitive.

Answer 9

Suggests children are disadvantaged by particular child-rearing practises.

Returning to work restricts children of opportunities.

Pressures mothers to stay home.

Question 10

STRENGTH: value to society.

Answer 10

Crotwell (2013) found that parent-child interaction therapy improved intersectional synchrony in 20 low income mothers. Helped develop methods to improve attachments.

Question 11

interactional synchrony is important for development.

Answer 11

Isabella (1998) observed 20 mothers and infants.

Found high levels of synchrony associated with better quality attachment.