An experimentalprocedure designed to disrupt an ongoing pattern of communication, followed byan assessment of how the infant responded to the disruption. The disruption consists of an adult becomingsuddenly unresponsive, while maintaining a face-to-face position with the baby. This still face period is both precededand followed by the adult to engaging in interaction with the infant. The typical response from 3- to 4-month-oldinfants to the still face is a decrease in gaze, smiling, and orientationtoward the mother or the experimenter, suggesting a breakdown in communication.
See Communication, Experimental method, Interaction, Joint attention, Mutual gaze, Social referencing