14. Ainsworth's Strange Situation AO3

Question 1

Name two limitations of the strange situation

Answer 1

• may be a culture-bound test

- temperament may be a confounding variable

Question 2

Explain why the strange situation may be a culture-bound test

Answer 2

The test may not have same meaning in countries outside Western Europe and USA

Question 3

Explain cultural differences in the strange situation

Answer 3

Cultural differences in children’s experiences mean they respond differently - caregivers also behave differently from other cultures

Question 4

Explain why temperament as a confounding variable may be an issue

Answer 4

Ainsworth’s assumed the main influence on separation and stranger anxiety was quality of attachment - other researchers suggested it’s temperament - the child’s genetically influenced personality

Question 5

What is the issue with temperament acting as a confounding variable

Answer 5

Challenges validity of strange situation - its intention is to measure quality of attachment not temperament of child

Question 6

Name a strength of ainsworth’s study

Answer 6

It shows very good inter-rater reliability is

Question 7

Why does ainsworth’s study have good inter-rather reliability

Answer 7

Different observers watching same children generally agree on the attachment type - may be due to controlled conditions and behavioural categories making it easy to observe

Question 8

What can be concluded from ainsworth’s research having good inter-rather reliability

Answer 8

Can be confident that attachment type of an infant identified in SS doesn’t depend on person observing them