Ainsworth's study

• > Ainsworth conducted a controlled observation of childens attachment behaviour

  > SAMPLE - 100 middle class american infants and their mothers

  > Observed 4 variables via a two-way mirror

  1. Willingness to explore
  2. Separation anxiety
  3. Stranger anxiety
  4. Reunion behaviour
• Ainsworths PROCEDURE - (7 episodes and each lasts for 3 minutes)

  > Parent enters room with child, child explores for 3 minutes.

  > A Stranger enters and joins the parent and infant and tries to interact with the child

  > Parent leaves the infant with the stranger

  > Parent returns and the stranger leaves. Parent settles the infant

  > Parent leaves the child alone

  > Stranger returns

  > Parent returns and stranger leaves.
• FINDINGS

  > Secure - 70%

  > Insecure avoidant - 20%

  > Insecure resistant - 10%