Ainsworth's 'Strange Situation'

Question 1

‘Strange Situation’

Answer 1

Controlled observation = lab setting where p’s are watched through a one way mirror and cameras

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

7 stages, 3 mins each
1. Baby explores with CG
2. Stranger enters
3. CG leaves baby with stranger
4. CG returns, stranger leaves
5. CG leaves baby alone
6. Stranger returns
7. CG returns

Question 3

Findings: secure attachment

Answer 3

• explore unfamiliar room, orientation towards M
• some discomfort when M leaves
• Comfortable with stranger when M is present
• Greeted M positively
• 60-75% british babies

Question 4

Findings: insecure-avoidant attachment

Answer 4

• no orientation to M when exploring
• unconcerned with M absent
• Comfortable with stranger
• Uninterested when M returns
• 20-25% british babies

Question 5

Findings: insecure-resistant attachment

Answer 5

• Seek greater proximity so explore less
• High levels of stranger and separation anxiety
• Resist comfort when reunited with caregiver
• 3% of british babies

Question 6

Strength of research

Answer 6

Good inter-rater reliability
Bick - tested inter-rater reliability for a team of trained observers and found agreement on attachment type in 94% of cases
Controlled conditions, easy to observe with large behaviours

Question 7

Behaviours being observed

Answer 7

• Proximity seeking
• Exploration + secure base behaviour
• Stranger anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Response to reunion