The Strange Situation

Question 1

Describe the strange situation

Answer 1

1. A controlled observation
2. To measure attachment to caregiver
3. Takes place in controlled condition (lab) with two way mirror for observation

Question 2

Name 5 behaviours used to judge attachment

Answer 2

1. Proximity seeking, good attachment will stay fairly close
2. Exploration and secure-base: baby will feel confident to explore but use caregiver as a base
3. Stranger anxiety: anxiety with stranger
4. Separation anxiety: will protest at separation
5. Response to reunion

Question 3

What were the 3 attachment types, determined off behavioural patterns

Answer 3

Type B: secure attachment

Type A: insecure-avoidant

Type C: insecure-resistant

Question 4

Describe typeB

Answer 4

1. Children explore happily but regularly go back to mother
2. Moderate separation and stranger anxiety
3. Require and accept comfort at reunion
4. 60-75% British are this

Question 5

Describe type A

Answer 5

1. Explore freely but do not use mother as vase
2. Show little reaction to mother leaving or returning
3. Little stranger anxiety and do not require comfort at reunion
4. 20-25% of toddlers are this

Question 6

Describe type C

Answer 6

1. Seek greater proximity and explore less
2. Huge separation and stranger anxiety but resist comfort
3. 3% are this

Question 7

Support for validity

Answer 7

1. Attachment type strongly predictive of later behaviour
2. Secure babies are more successful in life and relationships
3. Insecure-resistant associated with bullying and mental health problems
4. Supports validity as can explain subsequent outcomes

Question 8

Good reliability

Answer 8

1. Good inter-rather reliability on behavioural categories
2. Bick et al. (2012) found 95% agreement on attachment type in team of trained observers
3. Can be confident attachment type does not depend on who observes

Question 9

Test may be culture bound

Answer 9

1. Western design
2. Cultural differences mean children and mothers will respond differently to situation
3. In Japan children never separated so show huge separation anxiety

Question 10

One more attachment type

Answer 10

Main and Solomon (1986)

1. Minority of babies show a mix of resistant and avoidant so don’t fall into ABC
2. Atypical attachment known as disorganised attachment