1. The ‘Strange Situation’
and types of attachment
Starter
Individually, define these key research
terms (AO3):
1. Observer Bias
2. Reliability
3. Validity

2. We have looked at evolutionary and learning
theory perspectives on how attachments are
formed.
We will now focus on the quality of and type
of attachments that develop.
Ainsworth’s caring hypothesis:
The quality of an attachment depends largely on the
kind of attention the infant has received from the
primary caregiver.
It makes sense for us to consider the quality of
attachment as humans do not simply ‘imprint’; human
relationships are heavily laden with emotion.

3. b)
a)
c)
d)
e)

4. L/O: to outline the ‘Strange Situation’
and the attachment types (AO1)
Ainsworth and Bell (1970) set out to define the range of types
of attachment.
They believed that a child’s attachment to their mother could
be observed in a child on separation and reunion with their
mother. They set up the ‘Strange Situation’.
What is the ‘Strange Situation’?
- A standardised test
- In a laboratory
- A sequence of episodes of a few minutes each in which MOTHER,
CHILD and STRANGER are introduced, separated and reunited.
How did they measure attachment?
- Researchers discreetly observe the child’s behaviour
- Two aspects in particular: 1. reactions to separation and reunion
2. The level of exploration throughout
the procedure

5. L/O: to outline the ‘Strange Situation’
and the attachment types (AO1)
To begin to evaluate the research (AO2)
The ‘Strange Situation’
Mary Ainsworth
As you watch, consider:
Reliability?
Any
Bias?
Ethical
Validity? Issues?

6. L/O: to outline the ‘Strange Situation’
and the attachment types (AO1)
To begin to evaluate the research (AO2)
So what did they find?
Aim – to define the attachment types.
Page 108 table of types of attachment. See ‘study in
focus’ on
page 109.
1. Read the observation record.
2. In pairs, try 6 (ai) identify the attachment type
and (aii) justifying your answer.
3. Compare your answer with the mark scheme.

7. Past paper question 6(a) and (b).
Read and take notes on the Study in
Focus for the ‘Strange Situation’
and answer questions (page 69
study guide).
Complete the remaining for self-
study by Monday. (I will collect 6a-
b then).

8. AO2
Applying our knowledge of types of
attachment and evaluating the
Strange Situation
Tasks
AO2 – decide which attachments types children A-G
are displaying.
AO2 – create two more example children with different
attachment types.
AO2 – guess another class member’s.
AO1/AO2 – complete the Strange Situation outline and
evaluate sheet using your notes / the textbook.

9. Event sampling
Time sampling