Ainsworths Strange Situation

Question 1

Procedure (1970-73)

Answer 1

• 106 infants (48-57 weeks) and mother pairs
• controlled lab setting (room with toys), each stage 3 minutes
• covert observation - one way mirror
• stages assessed proximity to mother, exploration, use of mother as safe base, stranger/separation anxiety, reunion response, sensitive responsiveness

Question 2

What are the stages?

Answer 2

Ep 1 - observer introduces them to room and leaves
Ep 2 - baby explores freely, mother doesn’t interact
Ep 3 - stranger enters, first minute silent, second minute talks to mother, third minute approaches baby
Ep 4 - first separation episode - stranger interacts with baby
Ep 5 - first reunion response - greets and/or comforts baby and settles them in play. Mother leaves says “bye bye”
Ep 6 - second separation episode - baby alone
Ep 7 - stranger enters
Ep 8 - second reunion - mother enters and stranger leaves

Question 3

Findings?

Answer 3

• three attachment types correlate to level of SR by mother
• 66% infants secure (B)
• 34% insecure (22% insecure-avoidant, 12% insecure resistant)

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Suggests a secure attachment develops due to attention of consistently sensitively responsive mother

Question 5

AO3 Strength point

Answer 5

Test has good predictive validity - good predictor of baby’s future outcomes

Question 6

AO3 Strength evidence

Answer 6

McCormick (2016) - secure attached infants have better outcomes than insecure in childhood and adulthood, in terms of not getting involved in bullying

Question 7

AO3 Limitation point

Answer 7

Demonstrates cultural bias

Question 8

AO3 Limitation evidence

Answer 8

Theory and methods based on western ideals - assumes secure attachment is the ‘gold standard’s in which may be used to judge other cultures by