Ainsworth's Strange Situation Study (1969)

Question 1

What was the purpose of the the strange situation study?

Answer 1

Ainsworth developed an experimental procedure in order to - observe the variety of attachment forms exhibited between mothers and infants.

Question 2

What was the general method of the study?

What was the sample?

Answer 2

Observational study.

Small room. 2 chairs.
One for parent, one for experimenter who played role of stranger.
Toys in middle. One way mirror, so infant can be covertly observed.

100 middle class families. 
Infants between 12 and 18 months.

Question 3

What are the 7 episodes of the experiment?

Answer 3

1. Mother and infant enter alone.
2. Stranger joins mother and infant.
3. Mother leaves infant and stranger.
4. Mother returns to infant and stranger leaves.
5. Mother leaves, infant is alone.
6. Stranger returns to infant.
7. Mother returns and stranger leaves.

Question 4

What are the four measurements of the experiment?

Answer 4

Stranger anxiety -

Seperation anxiety.

Reunion behaviour

Exploratory.

Question 5

What are the 3 types of attachment?

Answer 5

Secure attachment 70%.

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