Ainsworth et al. (1978) The Strange Situation

Question 1

Method

Answer 1

• Controlled observation,
• 12-18 month old infants were left in a room with their mother,
• Eight different scenarios occurred, including being approached by a stranger, the infant being left alone, and the mother returning,
• The infant’s reactions were constantly observed.

Question 2

Results

Answer 2

• About 15% of infants were ‘insecure-avoidant’; ignored their mother and didn’t mind if she left, a stranger could comfort them,
• About 70% were ‘securely attached’, content with their mother, upset when she left, and happy when she returned, they also avoided strangers,
• About 15% were ‘insecure-resistant’, uneasy around their mother and upset if she left, they resisted stranger and were also hard to comfort when their mother returned.

Question 3

Conclusion

Answer 3

• Infants showing different reactions to their carers have different types of attachment.

Question 4

Evaluation

Answer 4

• Research method allowed control of variables; results = reliable,
• Laboraty setting = artificial; lacks ecological validity,
• Parents might have changed behaviour because they knew they were being observed, this could have had an effect on the children’s behaviour,
• The new situation in the experiment may have had an effect on the children’s behaviour; study might not accurately represent their behaviour in real life,
• The mother may not have been the child’s main attachment figure.