Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is the basic purpose of the "strange situation" procedure?

1. To determine whether infants are being neglected or abused by caregivers

2. To investigate whether infants are sufficiently independent from their caregivers for healthy development to proceed

3. To assess the quality of infant-caregiver attachment relationships

4. To provide training to caregivers to help them better meet the needs of infants

The correct answer is: To assess the quality of infant-caregiver attachment relationships

The basic purpose of the "strange situation" procedure is to assess the quality of infant-caregiver attachment relationships. Developed by Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s, this observational study involves a series of structured episodes that include separations and reunions between the infant and the caregiver. The infant's responses during these episodes provide insights into the attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant—that characterizes the relationship with their caregiver. This procedure allows psychologists to categorize the nature and quality of the attachment bonds formed in early childhood, which is crucial for understanding emotional and social development. By observing the child's behavior in the presence of the caregiver and in their absence, researchers can determine how well the infant feels comforted by the caregiver and how they explore their environment, revealing the dynamics of their attachment. In contrast, while abuse and neglect may impact attachment, the procedure itself is not designed specifically to identify these issues. The exploration of independence from caregivers is also not the primary focus, as the "strange situation" emphasizes attachment rather than overall independence. Lastly, while the procedure generates insights that could inform caregiver training, it is not a direct training mechanism for caregivers themselves.