Procedure

• What is the 'Strange Situation'?

  The Strange Situation is a controlled observation procedure designed to measure the security of a baby displays towards a caregiver. It takes place in a room with quite controlled conditions with a two-way mirror and cameras through which psychologists can observe the baby's behaviour.
• What are the behaviours used to judge attachment, and what behaviour will occur in a good attachment?

  The behaviours observed were:

  • Proximity-seeking (baby will stay fairly close)
  • Exploration and secure-base behaviour (baby is confident to explore, using caregiver as a secure base)
  • Stranger anxiety (display of anxiety when a stranger approaches)
  • Separation anxiety (protesting separation)
  • Response to reunion (greeting the caregiver's return with pleasure and seeking comfort)
• How long did each episode last?

  3 minutes
• What are the seven episodes?

  The seven episodes are:

  1. The baby is encouraged to explore
  2. A stranger comes in, talks to the caregiver and approaches the baby
  3. The caregiver leaves the baby and stranger together
  4. The caregiver returns and the stranger leaves
  5. The caregiver leaves the baby alone
  6. The stranger returns
  7. The caregiver returns and is reunited with the baby