3.1.2

(2026 Exams) Condon & Sander (1974)

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Condon & Sander (1974): Interactional Synchrony Evidence

Interactional synchrony is a theory of social communication where behaviours of one or more individuals become synchronised.

Interactional synchrony

Interactional synchrony

  • It starts from the initial consolidation of biological rhythms during pregnancy to the emergence of symbolic and often rhythmic exchanges between parent and child.
Aim & procedure

Aim & procedure

  • Research aim: A study to investigate interactional synchrony (turn taking) in newborns and their parents.
  • Procedure: Videos of parents talking to their newborns were analysed frame by frame. The behaviour of the newborn was noted.
Results

Results

  • They noticed that even newborns co-ordinate their movements and gestures in time with human speech. There was an element of turn taking and the babies seemed to respond to the one-sided conversation.
Conclusion

Conclusion

  • This study shows that interactional synchrony starts at an early age.
  • Meltzoff & Moore (1977) say this begins as early as two weeks old.
Evaluation

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Ecological validity – parents and babies in their own environment.
    • Ethical study.
  • Limitations
    • The behaviour of newborns is open to interpretation e.g. is it a smile or wind?
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Research Methods

8.1

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Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

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Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

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Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

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Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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