AO3

• Predictive validity

  • Attachment type defined by the strange situation was a good predictor of later development
  • McCormick et al - securely attached infants has better outcomes (academic success, more friends etc)
  • Resistant infants were bullied and had adult mental health
  • However, may not be measuring genetic differences in anxiety- strange situation may not measure attachment
• Inter rater reliablity

  • Behaviour categories were clearly defined therefore more reliable
  • Ainsworth found 0.94 agreement when rating behaviour
• Culture bound test

  • Test may not have the same meaning in countries outside Western Europe and the USA where it was created
  • Cultural differences in children’s experiences mean they respond differently
• 4th type of attachment

  • A reanalyis of over 200 strange situation videotapes led Main and Solomon to propose a fourth attachment types
  • Disorganised attachment - lack of consistent patterns of social behaviour, lack of coherent strategy for dealing with stress of seperation, an odd mix of avoidant and resistant