caregiver-infant interactions

• filmed observations 


  P: strength - observations filmed

  E: filmed observations are controlled so increased inter-observer reliability and minimise distractions

  E: the film can be checked multiple times and babies unaware they are being filmed so will not change their behavior

  L: therefore reliable and valid
• difficulty observing babies 


  P: limitation - hard to determine the cause of babies' actions

  E: subtle hand movements or changes in babies' behavior could be due to smiling or passing wind

  E: hard to see from a baby's perspective so unaware of the cause of behavior

  L: therefore cannot be certain of behaviors meanings
• developmental importance 


  P: limitation - developmental importance

  E: ideas like synchrony give a name to patterns or behaviors

  E: they can be reliably observed but do not tell u anything about child development

  L: therefore cannot be certain that synchrony and reciprocity is important for development
• counterpoint 


  P: strength - early interactions important

  E: evidence to support interactional synchrony

  E: achievement of interactional synchrony predicted the development of a good-quality attachment

  L: therefore caregiver-infant interaction important for development