Method: In a controlled observation, 12-18 month old infants were left in a room with their mother. Eight different scenarios occured, including being approached by a stranger, the infant being left alone, the mother returning, etc. The infants reactions were constantly observed.
Results: About 15% of infants were 'insecure-avoidant' (type A) - they ignored their mother and didn't mind if she left. A stranger could comfort them.
About 70% were 'securely attached' (type B) - content with their mother, upset when she left, happy when she returned and avoided strangers.
About 15% were 'insecure-resistant' (type C) - uneasy around their mother, upset if she left. They resisted strangers and were also hard to comfort when thier mother returned.
Conclusion: Infants showing different reactions to their carers have different types of attachment.
Evaluation: The research method used allowed control of the variables, making results reliable. However, the laboratory-type situation made the study artificial, reducing the ecological validity. Parents may have changed their behaviour as they knew they were being observed, Could have had an effect on the children's behaviour. Also the new situation in the experiment may have had an effect on the children's behaviour - the study might not accurately represent their behaviour in real life. Another problem is that the mother may not have been the child's main attachment figure
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