caregiver-infant interaction

• What did Meltzoff and Moore (1983) demonstrate about infants?

  Infants show interactional synchrony at 3 days old
• What does the ability of infants to mimic suggest about interactional synchrony?

  It suggests it is an instinctive trait
• What was the method used by Murray and Trevarthan in their study on infants?

  Infants interacted with their mother via video
• What was the effect of the mother adopting a 'frozen face' in the study by Murray and Trevarthan?

  Infants showed acute distress and turned away
• What does reciprocity in caregiver-infant interaction refer to?

  It is a two-way mutual process of responses
• What is 'baby talk' also known as?

  'Motherese'
• What are the key features of reciprocity in caregiver-infant interactions?

  • Two-way interaction
  • Turn-taking communication
  • Mutual responses to signals
• How does Brazelton (1979) view the role of reciprocity in communication?

  It is a precursor to later communication
• What are the advantages of using observational methods in caregiver-infant interaction research?

  • No demand characteristics
  • High inter-rater reliability
  • Detailed data capture
• What is a disadvantage of observational research in caregiver-infant interactions?

  Demand characteristics may affect caregiver behavior
• What did Mesman et al. (2009) find about early interactions?

  They are a precursor for future attachment styles
• What correlation was found by Isabella et al. (1989) regarding interactional synchrony?

  High synchrony linked to better quality attachments
• What is a limitation of observational research regarding interactional synchrony and attachment quality?

  Findings are correlational, not causal
• Why is it difficult to determine infants' intentions in caregiver interactions?

  Behaviors may not be deliberate or intentional
• What social sensitivity issue is raised by caregiver interactions?

  Working mothers may feel guilty for absence
• What is the definition of attachment?

  • A strong, enduring emotional bond
  • Reciprocal bond between two people
  • Especially between infant and caregiver
• What are some reasons why forming an attachment is important?

  Food, emotional security, friendship, safety
• What are the features of caregiver-infant interactions in humans?

  • Interactional synchrony
  • Reciprocity
  • Imitation
  • Sensitive responsiveness
• What is the purpose of sensitive responsiveness in attachment?

  To recognize and respond to child's needs
• What is interactional synchrony?

  • Coordinated rhythmic exchanges
  • Mirroring movements and sounds
  • Occurs simultaneously between carer and infant
• What did Meltzoff and Moore (1977) study in infants?

  Beginnings of interactional synchrony through mimicking
• How did Meltzoff and Moore measure infants' responses?

  By filming and identifying their actions
• What was the association found in Meltzoff and Moore's study?

  Between adult expressions and infant responses