Interactional Synchrony Flashcards
How did Feldman define interactional synchrony in 2007?
As the temporal co ordination of micro level social behaviour.
What is interactional synchrony?
It takes place when a caregiver and baby interact in such a way that their actions and emotions mirror the other.
What did Meltzoff and Moore find in 1977?
That even babies as young as two weeks old show signs of interactional synchrony.
How did Meltzoff and Moore carry out their study?
• an adult made one of three facial expressions or gestures
• a dummy ways placed in the infants mouth during the initial display to prevent and response.
• following the display, the dummy was removed, and the baby’s response filmed.
• independent observers then labeled the baby’s expressions and gestures.
What did the results of Meltzoff and Moore’s study show?
That babies were more likely to copy the adults facial expressions and gestures than would be expected by chance. This suggests a significant connection between the babies, actions and the adults.
What did Isabella et al investigate in 1989?
The relationship between interactional synchrony and the quality of attachment between mothers and babies.
How did Isabella et al carry out their study?
• they observed the interactions between 30 mothers and their babies of around three months old.
• researchers focused on how well they synchronized facial expressions, gestures, and movements during interactions.
• Isabella et al then assess the quality of attachment between the mother and baby when the babies were 12 months old.
What did Isabella at al’s study find?
The study found that mothers had displayed high levels of interactional synchrony had babies who were more likely to develop secure attachments.
What is the benefit of filming caregiver infant interactions during studies?
Filming caregiver influence interactions in a lab means no behaviours are missed as researchers can replay the footage which improves reliability.
What are two other strengths of research into interactional synchrony?
• Isabella et al found that when babies and caregivers show high levels of interactional synchrony it is linked to the development of good quality attachments.
• practical application - PCIT.
What are thelimitations of research into interactional synchrony?
• difficulties in observation and interpretation - observing interactions can be hard because of observer bias.
• socially sensitive research means that findings about caregiver and interactions can affect how society views parenting, creating pressure on parents.
• Feldman (2012) argues that labeling behaves like synchrony doesn’t tell us why they happen or how important they are for development.
