Behavioral observations in child developmentīehavioral observations can identify particular patterns. The results supported the hypothesis that toddlers prefer their primary caregiver when seeking comfort. Moreover, mothers in a clear primary caregiver role were compared to mothers who equally shared the role of caregiver with their partner. The researchers found that distressed toddlers preferred their mothers over their fathers and that when toddlers were content, they didn’t display a preference for either caregiver. In addition to observing behavior, the researchers also collected data by asking the parents to complete a questionnaire about their own involvement in caregiving tasks. In order to calculate and compare frequencies of behaviors, they coded with whom the toddler initiated interaction and the toddler’s emotional state when initiating the interaction. So when the same children turned 2, one of the researchers visited the family at home to record a triadic family interaction on video. insecure: insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant, or disorganized). used a two-way classification (secure vs. In order to measure the level of attachment an infant feels and relate it to the role a caregiver plays, Umemura et al. This procedure is widely used to assess attachment and also often performed in an unobtrusive, controlled environment such as a stationary observation lab with two rooms: an observation room and a second room in which the observers can watch the interaction through a one-way mirror. The mother or father came to the lab with the infant for the strange situation procedure (Ainsworth’s strange situation test). In their publication in Infant Behavior and Development they describe how the lab test was performed at the university laboratory. asked themselves: Who is the primary caregiver (mother or father)? Does the infant feel secure/insecure at the age of 1? At 2-years-of-age is the same child more likely to prefer a particular parent (mother, father) at home, both when distressed and when in a positive mood? Infant Behavior and Development They tested Bowlby and Ainsworth’s hypothesis: a hierarchy of caregivers exists whereby infants prefer one caregiver over another when distressed. observed parent-child interaction in their laboratory as well as at the family’s home. By using video, researchers don’t lose any information and can test their coding scheme and/or coders by asking different coders to code the same scene.Įxample case: the role of toddler emotion In both cases, the researcher can record the interaction on video and code behaviors in great detail. But, in a study that needs to answer questions about behavior in its natural context, an unobtrusive set-up in a daycare center, family home, or shop is preferred. When 100% control of the situation is required, a laboratory setting is the most favorable option. Researchers can choose to observe behavior in a laboratory setting or in a natural setting such as a family home. How to study parent-child interaction: examples of research in a lab and on-site Child development observations: Lab or natural setting? We share an interesting list of examples of child development observations. In that case, observing behavior can provide valuable information in combination with parental interviews. Early in life, children are not capable of filling out a complete questionnaire or talking to an interviewer.
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