The Strange Situation - Mary Ainsworth (1969)

In 1969, Mary Ainsworth introduced the 'strange situation' to study infant attachment. This method involves observing infants' reactions to a series of scenarios, including separations and reunions with their mothers. The study identifies three main attachment types: secure, ambivalent, and avoidant. In 1990, Main and Solomon added a fourth type, disorganized. Ainsworth's caregiver sensitivity hypothesis suggests that these attachment styles depend on maternal behavior during a critical development period.

What was the primary reason for developing the 'Strange Situation' classification?

• To study adult attachment styles

• To measure attachment in infants who cannot express verbally

• To analyze the impact of toys on child development

• To observe the behavior of mothers in a controlled setting

During which stage of the 'Strange Situation' is the baby left alone for the first time?

• When the stranger first enters the room

• When the mother and stranger both leave the room

• When the mother returns after the stranger leaves

• When the experimenter leaves the room

Which attachment style is characterized by a child showing distress when the mother leaves but being friendly to a stranger when the mother is present?

• Ambivalent attachment

• Disorganized attachment

• Avoidant attachment

• Secure attachment

What percentage of children were found to have a secure attachment style according to Ainsworth's study?

• 70%

• 50%

• 30%

• 15%

What does Ainsworth's caregiver sensitivity hypothesis suggest?

• Attachment styles are fixed and cannot change over time

• Attachment styles are influenced by the mother's behavior during a critical period

• Attachment styles are unrelated to caregiver behavior

• Attachment styles are determined by the child's temperament