Ainsworth Strange Situation

Question 1

Aim of study

Answer 1

investigate how attachments might vary between children

Question 2

method of study

Answer 2

aged between 12-18 months, 100 middle class american females
7 episodes

Question 3

what are the 7 episodes

Answer 3

E - encouraged to explore
S - stranger comes in and interacts
L - caregiver leaves and stranger and baby left
C - caregiver returns and stranger leaves
A - caregiver leaves and child left alone
R - stranger returns
C - caregiver returns and stranger leaves

Question 4

results of study

Answer 4

identified 3 main attachment styles

60-75% - secure (moderate stranger anxiety ease at reunion)
20-25% - insecure avoidant (weak attachment, avoid caregiver)
3% - insecure resistant (resistant to comfort but clingy behaviour)

Question 5

conclusion of study

Answer 5

a child’s attachment style is based on their mothers behaviour - sensitive mothers (responsive) more likely to have secure attachment children

Question 6

evaluations

Answer 6

wolff- meta analysis shows weak correlation of 0.24 between parent sensitivity and attachment type
+ good reliability - germany 78% classified same
- artificial environment - low ecological validity
- demand characteristics