Mary Ainsworth and Cross Cultural Research Flashcards
What did Ainsworth’s work in Uganda find?
- Securely attached children used mother as a safe base
- Insecurely attached children were clingy to mothers
What was the aim of Ainsworth’s study?
To observe the varying attachments between mother and infant
What was the sample of Ainsworth’s study?
26 middle class mothers and infants, aged 1-2
Describe the procedure to Ainsworth
- Stranger enters and tries to interact with the child
- Mother leaves
- Mother enters and stranger leaves
- Mother leaves
- Stranger returns
- Mother returns
What were the results of Ainsworth’s study?
- Securely Attached - 70%
- Insecure Avoidant - 20%
- Insecure Resistant - 10%
Give 2 conclusions to Ainsworth’s study
- Different types of attachment
- Caused by parental sensivity (their reactions)
What type of observation was used and how long was each observation?
Structured observation/lab experiment - 3 minutes each
Was Ainsworth’s study generalisable?
- Only used middle class mothers and infants
- Mothers were primary caregivers when the experiment was carried out
Was Ainsworth’s study reliable?
- Standardised procedure
- Filmed - high intra-rater reliability
Was Ainsworth’s study applicable?
- Helps with daycare procedures
- Helps with parenting styles
Was Ainsworth’s study valid?
- High in internal validity
- Low in ecological validity (arguably)
Was Ainsworth’s study ethical?
- Identities kept confidential
- Infants put under a lot of stress
What is secure attachment?
Experience separation anxiety and is easily comforted on reunion
What is insecure avoidant attachment?
Experience no separation anxiety and don’t need comfort on reunion
What is resistant attachment?
Experience high levels of separation anxiety and difficult to comfort on reunion (often lash out)
What types of parenting styles cause the different types of attachment?
Secure Attachment - Responsive
Insecure Avoidant - Neglectful
Insecure Resistant - Inconsistent
What did Main and Solomon state about this study?
There may have been a 4th attachment type
What did research disover about German children and why?
Majority were insecure avoidant because parents encourage independence
What did research disover about Japanese children and why?
Majority were securely attached because parent and child often have close proximity
What did research discover about Israeli children and why?
Majority were resistant avoidant because there’s a lack of proximity between parent and child
