What are the strengths and weaknesses of strange situation?

Answer 1

Strengths

Weaknesses

• The Strange Situation is a standardised procedure and has been repeated many times.
• The measurement of attachment is based on more then one behaviour e.g. several separations and reunions.
• Early identification of attachment problems could mean earlier intervention and the prevention of later problems.

• The Strange Situation lacks validity because it is a 'strange situation' to the child.
• There are cultural variations in child rearing techniques and this study was originally based on an American sample.
• Ethics!! Distressing for the child and caregiver.

Answer 2

Strengths: The strange situation is a widely used method for studying infant-caregiver attachment. It provides valuable insights into the quality of the attachment relationship by observing specific behaviors during a structured procedure.

Weaknesses: Critics argue that the strange situation may not fully capture the complexity of attachment relationships, as it is limited to a single observational session. Additionally, cultural variations and individual differences in attachment behaviors may not be fully accounted for in this procedure.