evaluation of caregiver-infant interactions

Question 1

explain the strengths of filmed observations

Answer 1

• filmed in a laboratory, this means that other activity that could possibly distract the baby, can be controlled
• using films means that observations can be recorded and analysed later so it is unlikely that researchers will miss seeing key behaviours.
• having filmed interactions means that more that one observer can record data and establish the inter-rater reliability of observations

Question 2

explain the limitations of difficulty observing babies

Answer 2

• it is hard to interpret a babies behaviour. young babies lack co-ordination and much of their bodies are almost immobile. the movements being observed are just small hand movements or subtle changes in expression so it is difficult to be sure if for example a baby is smiling or just passing wind.
• it is difficult to determine what is taking place from a baby’s perspective. e.g we cannot know if a movement such as a hand twitch is random or triggered by something the caregiver has done

Question 3

explain a limitation of developmental importance

Answer 3

• simply observing a behaviour does not tell us it’s developmental importance

Question 4

explain what Ruth Feldman (2012) points out in relation to the limitation of developmental importance

Answer 4

Feldman points out that ideas like synchrony ( and by implication reciprocity) simply give names to patterns of observable caregiver and baby behaviours. these are robust phenomena in the sense that they can be reliably observed, but they still may not be particularly useful in understanding child development as it does not tell us the purpose of these behaviours. this means that we cannot be certain from observational research alone that reciprocity and interactional synchrony are important for a child’s development

Question 5

suggest a counterpoint to Ruth Feldman (2012)

Answer 5

there is evidence from other lines of research that early interactions are important e.g Isabella et al. (1989) found that achievement of interactional synchrony predicted the development of a good quality attachment so therefore on balance, caregiver-infant interaction is probably important in development.

Question 6

explain practical value versus ethics

Answer 6

has practical applications in parenting skills training. E.g Rebecca Crotwell et al. (2013) found that a 10-minute parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) improved interactional synchrony in 20 low income mothers and their pre-school children. However on the other hand, research into caregiver-infant interaction is socially sensitive bc it can be used to argue that when a mother returns to work soon after having a baby this may risk damaging their baby’s development