Ainsworth's Work- Strange situation.

Question 1

Aims.

Answer 1

To test Ainsworth’s theory of maternal sensitivity. Also, to build upon Bowlby’s work and observe types of attachment.

Question 2

Procedure.

Answer 2

This was a covert, observational study in a laboratory setting. The procedure involved 8 stages, each roughly 3 minutes each. These included- baby explores with mother, stranger enters, mother leaves, mother returns etc. Observers record the mother and child relationship.

Question 3

Results.

Answer 3

Ainsworth found three attachment types- A, Anxious-avoidant, B- Securely attached and C- Anxious-resistant.
A- 22%, did not interact with mother when exploring, did not seem concerned by her leaving or returning. Avoided stranger. The mothers sometimes avoided child.
B- 66%, explored room, subdued when mother left and happy on her return. The mothers were seen to be sensititve.
C- 12%, Intense distress in absence, ambivalent behaviour in return. The mothers are seen to have been ambivalent/inconsistent to child.

Question 4

Conclusion.

Answer 4

Her maternal sensitivity hypothesis was proven- more sensitive mothers created better-attached children.

Question 5

Evaluative strengths.

Answer 5

It is operationalised and standardised, so can be repeated. It has been historically repeated many times (Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg).

Covert Observations increase reliability and validity.

It has real-life applications on mothering.

Question 6

Evaluative weaknesses.

Answer 6

Artificial situation, so low ecological-validity.

There has been research to show that there are more attachment types(Lamb 1977).

It is ethically bad, as it involves causing the child distress.

The experiment can be seen as culture bound.

It can be seen as social control- the mother needs to remain with the child, and doesn’t take into account fathers or mothers working.