The Strange Situation

Question 1

Describe the procedure for Ainsworths strange situation

Answer 1

7 stage controlled observation which measured a child’s attachment.
Assessed: proximity seeking, exploration, secure base, stranger/ separation anxiety and response to reunion.

In a room with a two way mirror for observation

Question 2

Describe ainsworths findings

Answer 2

Distinct patterns in infant attachment behaviours

Question 3

List the three types of attachment

Answer 3

Secure attachment (B)

Insecure avoidant (A)

Insecure resistant (C)

Question 4

Describe secure (B) attachment

Answer 4

Explore happily and regularly. Go back to caregiver.

60%-70% UK toddlers

Question 5

Describe insecure avoidant (A)

Answer 5

Explore freely but don’t seek proximity and avoids reunion.

20%-25% UK toddlers

Question 6

Describe insecure resistant attachment (C)

Answer 6

Seek greater proximity and explore less. Huge anxiety.

3% UK toddlers

Question 7

One limitation of the strange situation (AO3)

Answer 7

Culture bound

The SS may not have the same meaning in countries outside Western Europe and USA.
Differences in upbringing and culture means children may respond differently. Eg., Japan children are rarely separated.

Question 8

Does the SS have good validity? (AO3)

Answer 8

Yes

Attachments defined by SS strongly predictive of later development. Secure babies go on to have better outcomes. Insecure resistant worse outcomes eg. Bullying.

Question 9

Does the SS have good reliability? (AO3)

Answer 9

Yes

Good inter-rather reliability
Behavioural categories are easy to understand and observe. Different observers agree on 94% of the time on babies attachment type.