caregiver-infant interactions evaluation Flashcards
(p) research into caregiver-infant interactions uses well controlled procedures
(e)
● most research into this area is usually filmed (often from different angles)
● therefore, very fine details of behaviour can be recorded and analysed later
● also, infants don’t understand or care that they are being observed / videoed
● therefore, their behaviour does not change in response to observation (demand characteristics)
(c)
● matters because it increases internal validity of the research into caregiver-infant interactions
● so, we can be more certain we are measuring infants genuine behaviour and interactions
(p) understanding importance of caregiver-infant interactions in the formation of high-quality attachments can be useful for society
(e)
● isabella et al found that higher levels of synchrony was associated with better emotional attachment
● crotwell found that a 10 minute parent child interaction therapy (PCIT) improved interactional synchrony in 20-low income mothers and their pre-school infants compared to a control group
(c)
● therefore, this knowledge has been used to implement support therapies
● to help better the quality of mother-infant attachment (particularly for high risk groups)
● which benefits child in the long run
(p) research into caregiver-infant interactions is socially sensitive
(e)
● suggests children may be disadvantaged by particular child-rearing practices
● for example, if mothers return to work quickly after their child is born, this reduces / restricts opportunities for caregiver-infant interactions, consequently damaging attachments
● which may cause long term ‘damage’ for the child
(c)
● interpretation is socially sensitive as it suggests mothers should not be going back to work
● and should be taking full (or ideally extended) maternity leave to spend time with their child
● mothers may feel shamed for making particular life style choices and like their options are restricted
(p) however, there are problems interpreting the observations in this research
(e)
● it is hard to observe babies behaviour because they are not very co-ordinated
● we just observe small gestures and small changes in expression
● it is also hard to interpret the meaning of babies movement
● e.g. deciding if a hand movement is a response to the caregiver, or just a random movement
(c)
● therefore, means we cannot be certain whether caregiver-infant interactions have any special meaning or importance for the child or are just ‘random’
● therefore, we simply have to rely on ‘guess-work’ and assumptions rather than valid evidence
