1. One cultural factor influencing infant development is how infants are carried from place to place. Ask four mothers whose infants were born in each of the past four decades how they transported them—front or back carriers, facing out or in, strollers or carriages, in car seats or on mothers’ laps, and so on. Why did they choose the mode(s) they chose? What are their opinions and yours on how that cultural practice might affect infants’ development?

2. Observe synchrony for three minutes. Ideally, ask the parent of an infant under 8 months of age to play with the infant. If no infant is available, observe a couple as they converse. Note the sequence and timing of every facial expression, sound, and gesture of both partners.

3. Telephone or do Internet research on several daycare centres to try to assess the quality of care they provide. Ask about such factors as adult/child ratio, group size, and training for caregivers of children of various ages. Is there a minimum age? Why or why not? Analyze the answers, using TABLE 4.4 as a guide.

>>ONLINE CONNECTIONS

To accompany your textbook, you have access to a number of online resources, including LearningCurve, which is an adaptive quizzing program; critical thinking questions; and case studies. For access to any of these links, go to www.worthpublishers.com/launchpad/bergerinvitels2ecanadian. In addition to these resources, you’ll find links to video clips, personalized study advice, and an e-Book. Among the videos and activities available online are the following:

• Attachment Behaviors in the Strange Situation. You’ll get a chance to watch—and take your best guess about attachment states—as some infants are left in the company of strangers.
• Self-Awareness and the Rouge Test. A variety of videos showcase the development of self-awareness in young children.