L8 - Caregiver Infant Interactions Flashcards
What is interactional synchrony?
When caregivers and infants respond in time with each other so that their gestures and emotions mirror each other
What is reciprocity?
Two-way process where each party responds to the other’s signals to sustain interaction
Each party’s behaviour affects the other’s
Why is reciprocity important?
Important precursor to conversation
What happens in reciprocity?
Infants coordinate actions as if they’re having a conversation to sustain interaction
Behaviour elicits response from other
Why is caregiver sensitivity is important?
Foundation for developing attachments
What is caregiver sensitivity?
Caregiver can anticipate infant’s behaviour and respond appropriately
When does interactional synchrony start?
From 2/3 weeks old they imitate facial and hand gestures observed
Study for interactional synchrony by Meltzoff and Moore?
Adult model displayed 1/3 facial expressions/hand movements
Dummy placed in infant’s mouth to prevent response
Removed to observe expressions
Results from study?
Association between infant and adult model’s behaviour
Infants mimic specific facial/hand gestures they see adults do
Positive evaluation related to innate?
Many studies have been done into interactional synchrony which found that babies display it from 3 days old - innate
Positive evaluation related to video tape and over video monitor?
Interacted over video monitor then played a tape
Tried to get mother’s attention but gave up when no response
Therefore mirror to interact
Negative evaluation point related to inferences?
Researchers have to make inferences based on tested babies’ expressions which may just be frequent and not been made deliberately
