Strange Situation Flashcards
What does Ainsworth’s research lack?
Ecological validity
Why does the research lack ecological validity?
Because the research takes place in a controlled environment - room with a two way mirror
What does the research lacking ecological validity make it not appropriate to do?
Generalise the findings to real life attachment types as they infant may not behave how they usually do in their natural environment e.g may be less shy - lowering the external validity
What is the research praised for?
Being high in reliability
Why is the research high in reliability?
Because it was conducted in a controlled setting using a standardised procedure e.g each variable was assessed for 3 minute intervals
What does the research being high in reliability allow researchers to do?
The observation can be repeated again in the same conditions in order to check for consistent results - has been carried out successfully in many different cultures
Who was RTS conducted by?
Van Izjendoorn
What did Van Izjendoorn do?
They replicated the strange situation in the USA and found consistent results to Ainsworths - 65% were secure, 21% IA and 14% IR
What has the strange situation tool been criticised for?
Imposed Eric
Why is there imposed etc?
It is based on American child-rearing practices and ignores practices in other cultures e.g in Germany it is common practice for independence to be encouraged in independent however they may show IA but it would be desirable for this culture
