Join us for our LuCiD seminar, featuring an in-person talk on Tuesday, 12th November 2024 (11 am UK time - in-person & via Zoom). Dr. Jill Lany (Lancaster University) will talk about "The Role of Synchrony in Scaffolding Infant Attention to Object".
Abstract: Laboratory studies suggest that presenting words in synchrony with object motion recruits infants’ attention and supports forming word-referent mappings. However, little is known about how caregivers use synchrony when interacting with very young infants outside of the laboratory, and whether and how it influences infants’ attention to objects. Virtually no studies have considered this phenomenon in preterm and low-birth-weight infants, who show attenuated sensitivity to synchrony in word-learning tasks and who are broadly at risk for delays in attention and language development. In a recent observational study of semi-structured interactions between caregivers of low- and high-risk infants aged 1–9 months, we found that caregivers used sound-object synchrony in half of their bids for their infant’s attention, a rate which did not differ as a function of infant risk status. Furthermore, synchrony was potent in attracting both high- and low-risk infants’ attention to the interactions. The relatively subtle differences we did find suggested that synchrony was especially effective in promoting attention to objects in high-risk infants. Overall, our results suggest that synchrony use is relatively common and plays an important role in capturing infants’ attention to objects, including premature and low-birthweight infants who are at risk for language delays.
How to join the seminar: This seminar will take place in person at the University of Manchester, but we will provide a blended approach for anyone who is unable to attend in person. As always the seminar is free to attend & booking isn't required, just get in touch to request the zoom link and don't forget to join the seminar mailing list
Where to find us on the day: The seminar will be held at the University of Manchester, Simon building (1.34). The Simon building is 59 on the campus map.