What type of method was used by Ainsworth in her Strange Situation research?

structured observational research
Ainsworth’s Strange Situation (1970) used structured observational research to assess & measure the quality of attachment. It has 8 pre-determined stages, including the mother leaving the child, for a short while, to play with available toys in the presence of a stranger & alone and the mother returning to the child.

What are the four categories of behavior that Mary Ainsworth observed to measure attachment?

The Strange situation is a procedure devised by Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s to observe attachment in children, that is relationships between a caregiver and child….Four patterns of attachment

• Secure (B)
• Anxious-avoidant, insecure (A)
• Anxious-ambivalent/resistant, insecure (C)
• Disorganized/disoriented (D)

What did the original Ainsworth Strange Situation test measure?

The original method, developed by the influential psychologist Mary Ainsworth, is the laboratory procedure called the “Strange Situation” (Ainsworth et al 1978). Typically, the Strange Situation tests how babies or young children respond to the temporary absence of their mothers.

What did Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation study demonstrate?

Ainsworth’s Strange Situation test demonstrated that, for young children, the primary caregiver serves as a secure base from which to explore the world. Children with secure attachments are upset when their caregivers leave, but comforted by their presence in stressful situations.

Is the Strange Situation valid?

Although, as Melhuish (1993) suggests, the Strange Situation is the most widely used method for assessing infant attachment to a caregiver, Lamb et al. This means that it lacks validity, as it does not measure a general attachment style, but instead an attachment style specific to the mother.

What four Behaviours were being observed in Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?

The purpose of the Strange Situation is to measure four key behaviours, including: exploration behaviours – how the child explores the environment and whether they use the mother as a safe base; separation anxiety – how the child responds to/behaves when the mother leaves the room; stranger anxiety – how the child …

How does the Strange Situation lack validity?

Do I have attachment issues?

Anxious-preoccupied attachment have an increased need to feel wanted. spend a lot of time thinking about your relationships. have a tendency to experience jealousy or idolize romantic partners. require frequent reassurance from those close to you that they care about you.

What was the purpose of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?

Ainsworth’s Strange Situation (1970) used structured observational research to assess & measure the quality of attachment. It has 8 pre-determined stages, including the mother leaving the child, for a short while, to play with available toys in the presence of a stranger & alone and the mother returning to the child.

When was the strange situation study carried out?

The research she had conducted is under being in experimental settings, and has been named as ‘The Strange Situation’. It was carried out in the 1970s. The study involves with having the infants and their mothers being at a strange room with toys and seats.

When was the Ainsworth baby study carried out?

It was carried out in the 1970s. The study involves with having the infants and their mothers being at a strange room with toys and seats.

Are there any major criticisms of the Ainsworth study?

A major methodological criticism of Ainsworth’s research is that the sample was restricted to 100 middle class Americans & their infants, so it is unlikely that findings would be representative of the wider population.