caregiver-infant interactions ao1

reciprocity

• two way interaction where infant and caregiver respond to each other taking turns

• involves paying close attention to verbal signals and facial expressions

• lays foundation for development of attachment

interactional synchrony

• when the caregiver and infant are mirroring each others behaviour and emotions

• two people are said to be synchronised when they carry out the same action simultaneously

research for reciprocity

murray and trevarthen (1985)

research study for interactional synchrony

meltzoff and moore (1977)

murray and trevarthen

procedure :

• mothers interacted with 2 month olds via video monitor in real time

• pre-recorded video played so that mothers didn’t respond to infants facial and bodily gestures

findings :

• infants displayed acutely distress

• infants would turn away after failed attempts to gain mothers attention

conclusion :

• infants is actively eliciting a response from caregiver, showing importance of reciprocity in development of attachment

meltzoff and moore (1977)

procedure :

• controlled observation

• adult displayed one of three facial expressions and one of three distinct gestures

• child’s response filmed and identified by independent observers

findings :

• there’s an association with infant and that of adult role model

conclusion :

• supports idea of baby’s ability to mirror behaviour is innate and aids formation of attachment