Mary Ainsworth

• What’s the aim of the strange situation study?

  To identify and categorise infant attachment styles within the context of caregiver relationships
• what’s the sample of the experiment?

  approximately 100 middle class American families
• What is the independent variable of the strange situation experiment?

  Presence/absence of the caregiver
• what was the Dependent variable of the strange situation experiment?

  the infants behaviours/reactions, measured using four different attachment behaviours
• what were the materials used in the strange situation experiment?


  Toys, 2 chairs, and a two-way mirror.
• what was the method for the strange situation experiment?

  Infant attachment behaviour was observed in response to caregiver interactions and separations as well as stranger interactions and separations, plus when the baby was alone.
• what were the key findings of the strange situation experiment?

  based on Ainsworth’s observations, she was able to conclude that children tended to follow certain types of behaviour that slotted into 1 of the 3 main types of attachment groups she developed
• what were the Attachment Groups in the strange situation?

  Insecure Avoidant- (type A)

  Secure- (type B)

  Insecure Resistant- (type c)

  the not so talked about: Disorganised- (type D)
• what were the children categorised on?

  separation anxiety, stranger anxiety, reunion behaviour -mainly. Also their willingness to explore
• Type A - Insecure Avoidant

  separation anxiety: no signs of distress when mother leaves

  Stranger anxiety: ok with strangers, plays normally

  Reunion behaviour: Little interest in mothers return

  willingness to explore: willing to explore. Does not seek proximity
• Type B- Secure


  Separation anxiety: often distressed when mother leaves. Quiet and showing signs of concern (not as distressed as resistant child)

  stranger anxiety: causes child to be wary and seeks proximity to mum

  reunion behaviour: child is easily comforted by mum, seeks proximity, affectionate and happy.

  willingness to explore: explore unfamiliar environments, regularly returning to mother as safe base
• Type C- Insecure Resistant 


  separation anxiety: intense distress

  stranger anxiety: infant avoids strangers. shows strong fear

  reunion behaviour: approaches mother, resists constant. may punish her for leaving

  willingness to explore: cries more. explores less
• What’s a safe/secure base in attachment theory?

  A relationship with a main responsive attachment figure who meets the child’s needs and whom the child trusts and can turn to when upset or anxious.
• what’s a criticism of Ainsworth‘s study?

  The data can be confounded by demand characteristics. for example, parents may change their parenting styles, how the interact with their child, during the experiment.
• How can attachment style influence relationships in later life?

  Attachment style determines how a person will form relationships in later life; activated by the internal working model