Interaction

Question 1

What is reciprocity in caregiver-infant interactions?

Answer 1

Reciprocity = mutual exchange where infant and caregiver respond to each other’s
signals.

Question 2

What is interactional synchrony?

Answer 2

Interactional synchrony = coordinated, mirror-like actions and emotions between
caregiver and infant.

Question 3

Who conducted key research into reciprocity?

Answer 3

Brazelton et al. (1975) described interaction as a “dance”—turn-taking.

Question 4

Who studied interactional synchrony and how?

Answer 4

Meltzoff & Moore (1977) found babies as young as 2 weeks mimicked facial
expressions.

Question 5

Why are these interactions important?

Answer 5

Important for forming attachments and early communication.

Question 6

AO3 - What are strengths of these studies?

Answer 6

(A) Controlled observations capture fine detail.
(B) Replicable and high reliability.
(C) Supports early development theories.

Question 7

AO3 - What are the limitations?

Answer 7

(A) Difficult to interpret infant behaviour objectively. (B) Doesn’t show cause-effect in attachment development.
(C) Social desirability bias possible in parent responses.