Ainsworths Strange Situation AO3- Of The Strange Situation

Question 1

✅Why is the Strange Situation considered reliable?

Answer 1

It is highly standardised with seven clearly defined episodes, each lasting a set time. Behaviours are operationalised, meaning observers can consistently identify attachment types, leading to high inter-observer reliability.

Question 2

✅ How has the Strange Situation been applied in real-world settings?

Answer 2

It has been used to assess attachment in children and identify those with insecure attachments, which may indicate a history of trauma. This can guide further clinical assessment and early intervention

Question 3

❌ Why is Ainsworth’s sample considered limited in the Strange Situation study?

Answer 3

Ainsworth’s sample included only 100 middle-class American infants and their mothers, which may not be representative of wider populations. Child-rearing practices vary across cultures, so attachment behaviors might differ elsewhere.

Question 4

❌ How does cultural bias affect the validity of the Strange Situation?

Answer 4

The Strange Situation was developed based on American child-rearing practices. In other cultures, children might not experience separation in the same way, making the test less valid for non-Western populations.