AO1

• The findings provided evidence for three distinct attachment types that ainsworth called Insecure-Avoidant, Insecure-Resistant, and Secure.
• 15% of infants were classified as Insecure-avoidant (Type A).

  These infants consistently kept a distance away from their mothers, and did not use her as a secure base, though still explored freely. They had low stranger anxiety and little separation anxiety. They also didn’t attempt to seek comfort from their mothers when they returned.
• 70% of infants were classified as Secure (Type B).

  This is the ideal attachment type. Secure infants used their mothers as a safe base as they explored the environment. These infants had high stranger anxiety and separation anxiety, but had a happy reunion response that allowed them to settle quickly back into exploration. Mothers of these infants showed sensitive responsiveness.
• 15% of infants were classed as Insecure-resistant (Type C). These infants would not explore the environment and were inconsistent about wanting closeness with or distance from their mum. They had high stranger anxiety and separation anxiety, but were unable to settle when reunited with their mothers, rejecting her attention.
• Stage 1 – Mother and child enter the playroom

  Stage 2 – The child is encouraged to explore

  Stage 3 – Stranger enters and talks briefly to the mum, then attempts to interact with the infant

  Stage 4 – Mothers leaves while the stranger is present

  Stage 5 – Mother enters and the stranger leaves

  Stage 6 – Mothers leaves

  Stage 7 – Stranger returns and interacts with infant

  Stage 8 – Mother returns and interacts with child, stranger leaves
• In this procedure the child is effectively observed playing for 20 minutes while caregivers and strangers enter and leave the room, recreating the flow of the familiar and unfamiliar presence in most children's lives. Observers noted the child’s willingness to explore, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety and reunion behavior.