Research-Ainsworth-The strange situation Flashcards
what was Ainsworth’s aim?
-to investigate individual differences in types of attachment especially differences between secure and insecure attachments
what was Ainsworth’s procedure?
_The Strange Situation took place in purpose buit laboratory playroom in uni and method used=controlled observation.
-researchers watching through a one-way mirror and videotaping the research.
-method consisted of eight episodes - lasted for three minutes including mother and baby entering the room, stranger entering the room, mother leaving, mother returning
what did Ainsworth’s sample consisted of?
American infants aged between 12 and 18 months
how did the observers record the infants mothers behaviour to assess secure and insecure attachments?
Noting key behaviours:
-Exploration and secure base - more securely attached child will explore more widely using their caregiver as a secure
• Separation anxiety - the response the child makes when the mother departs.
• Stranger anxiety - the reaction of the child to a stranger.
• Reunion behaviour - how the child behaves when the mother returns.
what were the findings for Ainsworth’s study?
Using the analysis of the observations in the Strange Situation, Ainsworth identified 3 main attachment types- Secure (70%), Insecure Avoidant (90%), Insecure resistant (10%)
What were the findings for secure attachment?
Willingness to explore - They explore happily but regularly go back to their caregiver (proximity seeking and secure base behaviour)
Separation anxiety - Moderate distress
Stranger anxiety - Moderate distress. Treat the mother and stranger differently.
Reunion behaviour - Joy on Reunion (greet mother with enthusiasm)
what are the findings for insecure avoidant?
Willingness to explore - Explore freely but do not seek proximity
or show secure base behaviour. Play is not affected by the presence or absence of mother.
Separation anxiety- Little distress on separation.
Stranger anxiety - Respond to the mother and stranger in similar ways.
Reunion behaviour - Avoids contact on reunion
what were the findings for insecure resistant?
Willingness to explore - No secure base and not willing to explore.
Separation anxiety - Very distressed at separation (clingy).
Stranger anxiety - Resists the stranger.
Reunion behaviour - Seeks and resists contact on reunion (e.g., they would put their arms up to be picked up but then would immediately struggle to get down).
What was Ainsworth’s conclusion?
Ainsworth believed there are significant individual differences between infants, which may be related to the behaviour and responsiveness of the caregiver. This suggests that an innate tendency for attachment is affected by life experiences.
