The security of attachment in infants was investigated by Mary Ainsworth in the 'strange situation' study, in order to determine the nature of attachment behaviours and styles of attachment. In the ‘strange situation’, infants and their mothers were observed in a range of situations, which allowed the researcher to see the different types of behaviours shown.
The infants were observed through video cameras in a purpose-built laboratory playroom with their mothers. The room contained two comfortable chairs and a play area with a set of toys suitable for young children. The procedure in Ainsworth’s research consisted of a series of situations, which were standardised for all the infants who took part.
1. Mother and infant enter the room. Mother sits in one of the chairs and reads a magazine. Child is placed on the floor and is free to explore the toys.
2. After about three minutes, a stranger enters, sits on the second chair and talks briefly with mother.
3. The stranger approaches the infant and attempts to interact and play with them.
4. Mother leaves the room so the infant is alone with the stranger. The stranger comforts the baby if they are upset and offers to play with them.
5. After around three minutes mother returns and the stranger leaves.
6. Three minutes after mother departs again leaving the baby briefly alone in the room.
7. The stranger re-enters and offers to comfort and play with the baby.
8. Mother returns and the stranger leaves.
Using this procedure, Ainsworth was able to monitor the infant’s behaviour in a variety of situations including the departure of the mother to assess separation anxiety, and the introduction of a stranger to measure stranger anxiety. She also examined the baby’s behaviour towards the mother in a strange environment to assess whether or not the baby used her as a safe base to explore the room. Lastly, she