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. 2020;17(5):773-785.
doi: 10.1080/17405629.2020.1716724. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

Validation of continuous measures of peer social interaction with self- and teacher-reports of friendship and social engagement

Robert L Altman  1 , Brett Laursen  1 , Lynn K Perry  2 , Daniel S Messinger  2
Affiliations

Validation of continuous measures of peer social interaction with self- and teacher-reports of friendship and social engagement

Robert L Altman et al. Eur J Dev Psychol. 2020.

Abstract

The present study validates a new procedure that combines continuous measures of proximity (Ubisense) and vocalization (LENA) into measures of peer social interaction. The data were collected from 4 boys and 5 girls (ages 2-3 at the outset) on 8 separate days (3-4 hours per day) over the course of an academic year. Teacher reports of friendship were positively correlated with continuous measures of dyadic social interaction (i.e., the amount of time two children spent in proximity to one another, talking). Self-reports of reciprocated friendship were marginally correlated with continuous measures of dyadic social interaction, but only in the spring semester (when children were older and their reports of friendship more reliable). At the individual level, peer nominations of likeability, and teacher ratings of sociability and withdrawal were correlated with continuous measures of social interaction (i.e., the amount of time a child spent in proximity to other children, talking).

Keywords: Friendships; LENA; Social Engagement; Ubisense; Withdrawal.

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Figures

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Left: Child wearing vest outfitted with LENA recorder (front pocket). Right: Backside of vest with pockets for Ubisense tags (left and right).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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