Meltzoff and Moore (caregiver-infant interaction)

Question 1

what did Meltzoff and Moore study in 1977?

Answer 1

caregiver-infant interaction

Question 2

what does reciprocity mean?

Answer 2

it refers to the coordinated actions from infants in response to their caregiver’s actions. This basic communication rhythm is important in forming attachments.

Question 3

what is interactional synchrony?

Answer 3

Infants imitate the emotions and behaviours of the caregiver. Described as synchrony, as both parties are moving in the same pattern.

Question 4

what TYPE of study was carried out by Meltzoff and Moore?

Answer 4

carried out a controlled observational study investigating interactional synchrony.

Question 5

what were Meltzoff and Moores Aim?

Answer 5

to investigate interactional synchrony

Question 6

what was the procedure of Melzoff and Moore’s?

Answer 6

• adult (caregiver) displayed one of 3 movements&hand gestures
• Dummy placed in the infant’s mouth
• dummy was removed
• child’s expressions were filmed.

observations looked for

• mouth opening
• termination of ^^^^
• tongue protrusion
• termination of ^^^^

Question 7

what were the findings of Melzoff and Moore’s study?

Answer 7

Association between infant behaviour and adult model behaviour (evidence of interactional synchrony)

Question 8

what conclusion did Melzoff and Moore come to?

Answer 8

interactional synchrony is innate