Strange Situation Flashcards
strengths of strange situation + explaination
- inter observer reliability (controlled ob found agreement on attach types 94% of time, not subjective)
- reliability over time (main 1985 100% infants secure attached before 18 months same at 6 years, high val)
limitations of strange situation
- lab setting(obs in lab playroom, low eco val, high degree control(noise) artificial set, can’t gen)
- low pop val( 100 mothers + babies from america, parenting vary in other societies, ungen doesn’t take fathers into consideration)
- unethical( distress to babies)
- 4th attachment type: Main and Soloman- disorganised attachment mixing resistant and avoidant. Infants who had abuse. Ignores other behaviours infants showed, incorrectly categorises. Lowers validity
What did Mary Ainsworth investigate?
Types of attachment
What was the aim of the strange situation?
To observe key attachment behaviours as a way of assessing quality of baby’s attachment to caregiver method
How was the strange situation done? (Method)
- observing 100 American infants of 12-18months + infants
- controlled observation, covert, non-participant
- measuring security of baby’s attachment with caregiver
- in a neutral room with 2 way mirror and camera
How was attachment measured?
- promixity seeking
- exploration and secure base
- stranger anxiety
- separation anxiety
- response to reunion
What were the findings of the strange situation?
3 distinct types of attachment:
* secure
* insecure avoidant
* insecure resistant
What were the conclusions of the strange situation?
That most American infants are securely attached.
Sensitivity hypothesis:
- secure: caregiver sensitive + highly responsive to needs
- resistant: caregiver not CONSISTENT with sensitivity to needs
- avoidant: caregiver IGORES/AVOIDS sensitivity to needs
What is the sensitivity hypothesis?
The link between sensitivity from caregivers and the type of attachment an infant forms due to it
What is maternal deprivation?
Extent mother is present to care for her child’s needs
What is a child’s temperament?
Aspects of child’s personality which affects their behaviour
What is maternal sensitivity?
Mothers availability to perceive and understand meaning behind infants behavioural indiviators and respond to them timely and appropriately
How is attachment being measured when the baby is encouraged to explore?
Exploration and secure base
How is attachment being measured when a stranger comes in and talks to the caregiver and approaches baby?
Stranger anxiety
How is attachment being measured when the baby is left alone?
Separation anxiety
How is attachment being measured when the caregiver returns and is reunited with baby?
Reunion response
Traits of secure attachment
- high proximity seeking
- high exploration + secure base: explores but returns back
- moderate stranger and separation anxiety
- high reunion response: requires and accepts comfort
How many babies are securely attached?
60-75%
Traits of insecure resistant attachment
- high proximity seeking
- low exploration and secure base
- high stranger and separation anxiety
- low reunion response: seeks then rejects contact
How many babies are insecure resistant attached?
3%
Traits of an insecure avoidant attachment?
- low proximity seeking
- high exploration and secure base
- low stranger and separation anxiety
- low reunion response: don’t make contact
