Please refer to attached file Assignment 2 instructions
What the work needs:
Observe 0-2 year’s infant interacting with one parent on 4 occasions (parent interaction)
Each observation is around 5 minutes
Record observation as
• Running records x2 ( records)
• * anecdotal methodsx2 ( records
Record the observation question
• What is the relationship between the infant and the adult?
• What factors are impacting on this relationship?
• Include date, time, setting
• Participation ( pseudonyms) and identify their connection to the child
• Relate observation to observation question
• Interoperation must relate to observation question
• Observe behavior allowing you to observe the nature of the relationship ( loving, responsive, respectful)
• Look for and record the strategies identified in sims& hutchins text relating to establishing secure relationship
TRY to research other sources relation to parent child interaction and relationship
THEN do the same for the non- parent child observation ( non-parent interaction) following the same steps above
(Optional)
NOTE: If you have chosen to take any recordings (photos, audio recordings etc) you MUST obtain specific consent for these and you MUST ensure that the child’s identity and the identity of anyone else involved is adequately protected (eg photos must have faces obscured).
Task 2: Observations
Observation questions: Your observations are aimed at providing information on the following:
• What is the relationship between the infant and the adult?
• What factors are impacting on this relationship?
(At least 2 occasions – make it 3/4 higher your standards)
1. Observe the child interacting with one parent on at least two occasions (each observation should be around 5 minutes). Record the observations using a running record or anecdotal method. ( have 2 of each so you have a range shows hard work) Your observations are presented in Appendix 1 of your assignment.
2. Observe the child interacting with someone else other than a parent (eg child care worker, grandparent etc) on at least two occasions (each observation should be around 5 minutes). Record the observations using a running record or anecdotal method. Your observations are presented in Appendix 2 of your assignment.
In your observations you need to record:
1. The observation question
2. the context of each observation (including date, time, setting etc and your role in setting that up if applicable),
3. the participants (using pseudonyms) and identify their connection to the target child.
4. the observations themselves relating to the observation questions.
5. Interpretation of each observation alongside the observation. The interpretation must relate to the observation questions.
(So your interpretation/ analysis of the observation has to be constantly linking to the questions clearly and answering them i.e, factors of relationship importance…etc)
Make sure your recording of your observations focuses on information relevant to the observation questions. Note that you cannot expect to determine the form of attachment between adult and child from your observations. This determination requires a Strange Situation test. You can, however, observe behaviours that will allow you to decide if you are seeing a loving, nurturing, responsive and respectful relationship. In order to make these judgements you will need to look for behaviours that exemplify these characteristics. You must look for and record the strategies identified in your Sims & Hutchins text relating to establishing secure relationships. These include behaviours such as (but not limited to):
• Responding to cues
• Interactional synchrony
• Expressions of warmth
• Physical contact
• Positive language
• Handles for attachment
• Social referencing
(And more, look for more referencing research it!)
You must also look for and record behaviours such as the following:
(These are ideas, try to cover all of them or even more if you can by looking up other behaviours, research articles, books, readings, lectures…etc.)
1. Adult Sensitivity
(relates to adult aspects )
Facial Expression
Is the adult’s expression alert, actively attentive, responsive to the situation. With an infant adult may exaggerate normal facial expressions. With an older infant engaged in toy play adult is alert with low key supportive expressions reflecting activity changes. Is the adult attracting and maintaining the infant’s attention either to the self or the activity?
Vocal expression
Is the adult voice warm, slow, gentle, rhythmic, adjusted for the infant’s age and state or mood? Is the adult using voice to attract and maintain infant’s attention?
Position and body contact
Are the adult and infant seated comfortably with physical access to each other and the toys? Can the adult see the infant’s face/ Can the infant easily reach the adult? Does the position facilitate involvement with the toys and with each other?
Expression of affection
Is the adult demonstrating vocal, visual or kinaesthetic warmth of any type, eg gentle patting, stroking, tender holding, murmuring, smiling, joint laughter? Is the adult expressing pleasure in the infant in a way the infant could perceive?
Pacing of turns
Is the adult timing his/her turns on the basis of signals or cues from the infant in an attempt to create a turn-taking dialogue? Is the adult giving the infant time to respond? Does the interaction show smooth turn taking with the adult response being related to the infant’s behaviour?
Control
The adult or the infant may choose the activity. Is the adult clearly enjoying the activity and taking turns with the infant? Is the adult adapting his/her wishes to the infant’s? Does the interaction appear to be free of control from either participant?
Choice of activity
Is the activity feasible and enjoyable as presented? Does the adult provide sufficient scaffolding to ensure the infant participates and enjoys the activity?
2. Infant co-operativeness
(this relates to the child’s aspect)
Facial expression
Is the infant attending to the activity and showing no avoidance of eye-contact? Does the infant’s expression range from alert, serious concentration to playfulness?
Vocal expression
Does the infant respond to the adult voice with increased attention, vocalisation and perhaps excitement?
Position and body contact
Does the infant use his/her access to toys? Is the infant comfortable? Does the infant respond with at least acceptance if not pleasure to the adult contact?
Expression of affection
Does the infant appear happy? Does the infant initiate or prolong contact with the adult?
Pacing of turns
Does the infant accept adult initiations? Does the infant also initiate turns? Are there smooth, alternating turns in this interaction?
Control
Does the infant respond with willing involvement and a lack of resistance to adult suggestions?
Choice of activity
Does the infant respond with acceptance of the activity? Is prolonged interest demonstrated?
Task 3: Interpretation of observations
(Structure – body)
1. In the body of your assignment using a heading: SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION OF CHILD AND CONTEXT, briefly introduce the target child and the context.
2. In the body of your assignment, using a heading: SECTION 1: SUMMARY OF INTERPRETATIONS, briefly summarise your interpretations of your observations and create a synthesised overview. Make sure you use this section to answer the observation questions.
(Answer questions here, interrelate, interrelation of observations with questions, using supporting literature)
