In the run up to the AS exams on Friday, here is a video of Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure.
In order to determine the type and strength of attachment that babies have to their parents, Mary Ainsworth devised the following procedure which assesses the 'secure base' behaviour of infants in stressful situations. The procedure usually takes place in a pleasant room with toys for the child to play with:
(scroll down for video clip)
Observer takes mother and infant into room, then leaves (30 secs)
Mother allows baby to explore – stimulates play if necessary (3 mins)
Stranger enters room, stranger is silent (1 min)
Stranger converses with mother (1min)
Stranger approaches baby (1 min) – then mother leaves
Stranger’s behaviour geared to baby (3 mins – or less if baby becomes distressed)
Stranger leaves, mother returns and greets and/or comforts baby – settles baby in play – leaves, saying “bye-bye”( 3 mins – more if needs to settle)
Baby is alone (3 mins – less if distressed)
Stranger enters – gears behaviour to that of baby (3 mins – less if distressed)
Mother enters, greets and picks up baby – stranger leaves (3 mins)
