Ainsworths Strange Situation

Question 1

What was the aim of the strange situation

Answer 1

To be able to observe key attachment behaviours as a means of assessing the quality of the babies attachment to the caregiver

Question 2

What was the procedure of the strange situation

Answer 2

Controlled observation in a room with 2 way mirror or cameras to observe behaviour
Baby and caregiver enter unfamiliar playroom. Baby is encouraged to explore.
A stranger enters and talks to caregiver and approaches baby
Caregiver leaves baby with stranger
Caregiver returns and stranger leaves
Caregiver leaves baby alone
Stranger returns
Caregiver returns and reunited with the baby

Question 3

What are the behaviours used to judge the baby’s attachment with

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What were the 3 types of attachment Ainsworth found

Answer 4

Secure attachment (B)
Insecure- avoidant attachment (A)
Insecure resistant attachment (C)

Question 5

Describe secure attachment

Answer 5

Type B
Explore but regularly return to caregiver
Moderate separation distress and stranger anxiety
Require and accept comfort from caregiver at reunion. 65-70% of uk babies

Question 6

Describe insecure avoidant attachment

Answer 6

Type A
Explore freely but don’t seek proximity
Little to no stranger or separation anxiety
Little effort for contact in reunion
20-25% in uk

Question 7

Describe insecure resistant attachment

Answer 7

Type c
Seek proximity more than others and explore less
High levels of stranger and separation anxiety
Resist comfort when reunited
3% in uk

Question 8

What are the strengths of ainsworths strange situation

Answer 8

Good predictive validity
- mccormick- type b for better attachments later in life
- ward - securely attached babies have better mental health in adulthood

Good inter rater reliability
Bick tested inter rater reliability
Behaviours involve movement so easy to observe
Controlled conditions

Question 9

What is a limitation of the strange situation

Answer 9

May be culture bound so not universal
Takashi repeated experiment in Japan and found a disproportionate amount to be type c. However this could be due to mother and baby separation being very rare in Japan