Attachment: Mary ainsworth strange situation

Question 1

What was the aim of Mary ainsworth study?

Answer 1

To investigate caregiver infant interaction

Question 2

What was the sample of the study?

Answer 2

-Controlled laboratory observation

Question 3

What type of scenarios are recorded?

Answer 3

-proximity seeking
-separation distress
-stranger anxiety
-reunion behaviour
-exploration
-secure base behaviour

Question 4

How did Mary ainsworth classify the infants.

Answer 4

Classified by type A,B,C
-type a:
.insecure avoidant
-type b:
.secure
-type c:
.insecure resistant

Question 5

What were the findings of the study?

Answer 5

22% type a:
.explored freely
.little or no separation distress and stranger anxiety
.does not require comfort
66% type b:
.explores freely
.moderate separation distress and stranger anxiety
.easily comforted by mother
12% type c:
.explores less
.seeks proximity
.resists comfort when reunited

Question 6

What were some strengths of the study?

Answer 6

-test-retest reliability:
.infants retested at 6 and 100% of secure still displayed secure behaviour.
-high inter-rater reliability
.observers agreed on chosen participant type

Question 7

What was a limitation to the study?

Answer 7

-culture bound:
.different types are seen as better across different countries and cultures