A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

In what way did Ainsworth and Bell assess the children's attachment behaviors?

1. Through interviews with parents

2. Through physiological measurements

3. Through observational methods

4. Through self-report questionnaires

The correct answer is: Through observational methods

Ainsworth and Bell utilized observational methods in their research to assess children's attachment behaviors, particularly through the development of the Strange Situation procedure. This method involved observing the reactions of infants and young children in a structured setting where they experienced separations and reunions with their primary caregiver. The focus was on how the child interacted with the caregiver when they were present, how they responded when the caregiver left, and how they reacted upon the caregiver's return. The observational approach allowed Ainsworth to categorize attachment styles, such as secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant, based on the children's behavioral patterns during the different phases of the procedure. This method is both qualitative and quantitative in nature, as it allows researchers to gather rich, nuanced data about the child's attachment behaviors in real time. Other options like interviews with parents or self-report questionnaires would not provide the same direct insight into the child's behaviors and responses in attachment contexts. Physiological measurements, while insightful in certain studies, do not capture the nuances of attachment behaviors as effectively as direct observation.