Caregiver-infant Interactions

Question 1

what is reciprocity

Answer 1

both caregiver and baby respond to each others signals and elicts a response from the other

Question 2

what are babies ‘alert phases’ and why do they use them

Answer 2

• where they signal that they are ready for a spell of interaction

Question 3

are babies passive or do they have an active involvement. Explain this

Answer 3

• babies take an active role
• both baby are caregiver initiate interactions

Question 4

what is interactional synchrony

Answer 4

caregiver and baby reflect both the actions and emotions of the other and do this in a cordinated way

Question 5

when does interactional synchrony begin

Answer 5

two weeks old

Question 6

why is interactional synchrony important

Answer 6

• it is believed that high levels of synchrony are associated with better quality mother-baby attachment

Question 7

explain a study that provides evidence for interactional synchrony

Answer 7

meltzoff and moore found infants as young as 2 - 3 weeks ols coulkd imitate specfific fracial expressions and gestures (eg, mouth opening) when shown by an adult

Question 8

explain a study that provides evidence on the importance of interactional synchrony on attachment quality

Answer 8

isabella et al found infants who demonstrated high levels of interactional synchrony had stronger emotional bonds, indicated by secure attachment

Question 9

strength

evaluate the idea of interactional synchrony

Answer 9

• P - suppoprtimg evidence from controlled observations
• Eg - meltzoff and moore filmed babies responses to facial expressions using mutliple cameras
• Ex - this means fine behaviours could be analysed in detail and replayed
• L - increases internal validity
• H - difficult to know if the babies responses were meaningful or consicous

Question 10

strength

evaluate the idea of interactional synchrony on attachment security

Answer 10

• P - high levels of interactional synchrony is linked to secure attachment
• Eg - isabella et al found when infants had high synchrony they were more securely attached to their caregiver
• Ex - this suggests ynchrony plays an important role in the development of emotional bonds allowiung the baby to feel understood
• L - supoporting the idea that synchrony is crucial
• H - correlational