| What experiment is most commonly used to assess the attachment type of infants/the quality of attachment between the infant and mother? | The Strange Situation |
| Who were the researchers behind the Strange Situation experiment? | Ainsworth and Bell (1978) |
| What behaviours in the infant are measured in the Strange Situation experiment? | Proximity seeking, joy of reunion, stranger anxiety, separation anxiety, secure base, exploration. |
| How long does each episode in the Strange Situation last? | 3 minutes. |
| How many episodes are in the Strange Situation experiment? | 7 |
| List the people who are in the room in each episode of the Strange Situation experiment. | 1. Infant and mother
2. Infant, mother and stranger
3. Infant and stranger
4. Infant
5. Infant and stranger
6. Infant, mother and stranger
7. Infant and mother |
| What key behaviours are observed in infants with a secure attachment in the Strange Situation experiment? | .Were distressed when their mother leaves
.Is avoidant of the stranger when alone but friendly when mother is present
.Is easily comforted when mother returns/positive joy of reunion
.Will use mother as a safe base to explore their environment |
| What key behaviours are observed in infants with an insecure-resistant attachment in the Strange Situation experiment? | .Shows signs of intense distress when separated from mother
.Infant avoids and shows fear of the stranger
.When reunited with mother, child approaches but resists contact + may even push her away
.Infant cries more and explores less than other two attachment types |
| What key behaviours are observed in infants with an insecure-avoidant attachment in the Strange Situation experiment? | .Infant shows no signs of distress when separated from mother
.Infant is okay with the stranger and plays normally when stranger is present
.Infant shows little interest when mother returns/no joy of reunion
.Mother and stranger are able to comfort the infant equally well |
| What sample is used in the Strange Situation experiment? | 100 middle class American infants and their mothers. |
| What was the setting for the Strange Situation experiment? | A 'novel' (9 x 9) room/ a new play environment for the infant. Many toys and a neutral colour. |
| How was data collected in the Strange Situation experiment? | Video recorder or one-way mirror. |
| What percentage of infants were observed to have the secure attachment type (UK and US %)? | 60-75% (UK) / 70% (US) |
| What percentage of infants were observed to have the insecure-resistant attachment type (UK and US %)? | 3% (UK) / 15% (US) |
| What percentage of infants were observed to have the insecure-avoidant attachment type (UK and US %)? | 20-25% (UK) / 15% (US) |
