Strange Situation

Question 1

Briefly explain what the strange situation is

Answer 1

A controlled observation designed to test attachment type in infants

Question 2

Name 4 behaviours used to judge attachment

Answer 2

• Proximity seeking
• Exploration and secure-base behaviour
• stranger anxiety
• separation anxiety

Question 3

Describe secure attachment (Type B)

Answer 3

Around 60-75% of British toddlers

• explore freely but return to caregiver
• show moderate stranger/separation anxiety

Question 4

Describe insecure avoidant type (type A)

Answer 4

Around 20-25%
Will explore freely with no secure base behaviour
So little separation/stranger anxiety

Question 5

Describe insecure resistant type (type C)

Answer 5

Around 3%
Explore less and seek greater proximity
Show huge separation/stranger anxiety
Resist comfort and reunion

Question 6

Explain support for validity

Answer 6

Attachment type as defined by the strange situation is strongly predictive of later development.
Study’s show insecure go on to have worse outcomes

Question 7

Name 3 Ao3 points abot the strange situation

Answer 7

Support for validity
Good inter-rater reliably
Test may be culture bound