Ainsworth’s strange situation, AQA A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY

Ainsworth’s strange situation
The aim of this study was to observe key attachment behaviours to assess the quality of the
child’s attachment to a caregiver (1969).
Procedure:
This is a controlled observation and it takes place in a room with controlled conditions; a
laboratory with a two-way mirror so the psychologists can observe the infant’s behaviours.
Behaviours observed included:
 Proximity seeking: an infant with good attachment will stay fairly close to the caregiver
 Exploration and secure-base behaviour: good attachment enables a child
A point of contact
to feel confident to explore, using their caregiver as a secure base
that makes them
 Stranger anxiety: a closely attached child becomes anxious when a
feel safe
stranger approaches
 Separation anxiety: a closely attached child protests at separation from
the caregiver.
 Response to reunion: with the caregiver after separation for a short period of time.
Seven episodes:

1. the child is encouraged to explore Tests exploration + secure base


2. a stranger comes in and tries to interact with the child Tests stranger anxiety



3. the caregiver leaves the child with the stranger Tests separation + stranger
anxiety


4. the caregiver returns and the stranger leaves Tests reunion behaviour and
exploration/secure base


5. the caregiver leaves the child alone Tests separation anxiety



6. the stranger returns Tests stranger anxiety