The Strange Situation

Question 1

Whos experiment was the strange situation?

Answer 1

Ainsworth

Question 2

What was the strange situation?

Answer 2

An observation conducted to assess the quality of a baby’s attatchment to a caregiver.

Question 3

What was the procedure?

Answer 3

-Controlled observations
-2 way mirror/cameras
-7 eps

Question 4

What were the 3 main types of attatchment?

Answer 4

-Secure
-Insecure-avoidant
-insecure-resistant

Question 5

Secure (type B)

Answer 5

-Explores environment but regularly goes back to caregiver (secure base)
-Shows moderate separation distress
-Shows moderate stranger anxiety
-Accept and require comfort from caregiver in reunion
-Approx 60-70% British babies are this.

Question 6

Insecure-avoidant (type A)

Answer 6

-Explores environment freely, does not seek proximity or show secure-base behaviour
-Little stranger anxiety
no reaction when caregiver leaves
-little effort or avoids to make contact with caregiver when they enter
-20-25% British babies are it.

Question 7

Insecure-resistant (type C)

Answer 7

-Seek greater proximity = explore environment less
- High levels of stranger and separation distress
-Resist comfort when reunited with caregiver
3% British babies

Question 8

Support

Answer 8

-good reliability
-someone found agreement on 94% of cases

Question 9

Criticism

Answer 9

-cultural bias
-researched only valid for certain cultures
-Different responses in different cultures

Question 10

Criticism

Answer 10

-type D babies (disorganised)
-a mix of resistant and avoidant behaviours

Question 11

What method did Ainsworth use?

Answer 11

Controlled observation