Vignettes

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
Each vignette below contains inferences about an observation. For this exercise, assume that you have a file of vignettes that match the facts recorded in the following ones. Then, decide whether or not each inference is valid, and explain your reasons. If the inference is invalid, rewrite it so that it is valid. (adapted from Head Start) Which seems the most valid inference and why?

(For answers see bottom of page.)

Vignette

Inferences

#1- Infant Vignette-
In a highchair, 10-month-old Miguel pinches cheerios one at a time, then holds them over the ground and watches them fall when he opens his fingers.

Inference A:  Miguel can use a pincer grasp and coordinates hand and eye movements.

Inference B:  Miguel is bored and no longer hungry.

Inference C:  Miguel is messy and testing the limits.

#2- Toddler Vignette-
During free playtime, 18-month-old Hana is finger-painting at the easel.  She spreads red paint over most of the page with her left hand, never using her right hand because she is sucking while painting.

Inference A:  Hana's thumb sucking is limiting with her creativity.

Inference B:  Hana is able to coordinate her eyes and hand well.

Inference C:  Hana likes the color red best.

#3- Early Childhood Vignette-
Marina, a 3-year-old, is pretending to be a baby and crawling on her hands and knees. She pretends to cry until Fisher responds by patting her head and telling her, "Don't cry baby, I'll make you a bottle."

Inference A:  Marina seeks attention from her peers.

Inference B:  Marina likes to act like a baby because she is immature.

Inference C:  Marina likes pretending to be a baby.

#4- Kindergarten Vignette-
Amir, 5½ years, writes his name in capitals with a large pencil he holds in a fist.

Inference A:  Amir knows how to write his name.

Inference B:  Amir doesn't yet use a pincer grasp to write.

Inference C: Amir needs more practice writing.