the strange situation and types of attachment

Question 1

what did ainsworth and bell develop the strange situation for?

Answer 1

assess quality of a baby’s attachment to a caregiver

Question 2

what type of observation was the strange situation? (3)

Answer 2

● controlled

● two-way mirror

● through which psychologists can observe a baby’s behaviour

Question 3

what 5 catagories were used to judge attachment quality?

Answer 3

● proximity seeking

● exploration and secure base behaviour

● stranger anxiety

● seperation anxiety

● response to reunion to caregiver

Question 4

what are the three main types of attachment?

Answer 4

● secure attachment

● insecure avoidant attachment

● insecure resistant attachment

Question 5

what behaviours do infant with a secure attachment show? (4)

Answer 5

● display exploration behaviour but will use parent as a secure base to explore form

● usually show moderate separation anxiety

● usually show moderate stranger anxiety

● accepted comfort from mother on reunion

Question 6

what behaviours do infant with an insecure-avoidant attachment show? (4)

Answer 6

● show exploration behaviour but don’t use parent as a safe base

● little or no reaction when parent leaves (no seperation anxiety)

● little stranger anxiety

● little need or want for comfort when parent returns

Question 7

what behaviours do infant with an insecure resistant attachment show? (4)

Answer 7

● seek more proximity to caregiver, so explore less

● display severe separation anxiety

● display severe stranger anxiety

● resist comfort when reunited with caregiver.