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Edexcel A-Level Psychology A2 5.1.2 Ainsworths Attachment Research Questions

Practise Edexcel Psychology questions on Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, identifying attachment types and evaluating procedure, validity and cultural limits.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
Psychology XPS01/YPS01
Level
A2

Exam points

  • identify attachment types from reunion behaviour in Ainsworth’s Strange Situation
  • evaluate the Strange Situation using procedure, validity and sample limits

Edexcel A-Level Psychology A2 5.1.2 Ainsworths Attachment Research Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Samad and Amna investigated attachment in infants aged one to two years old using Ainsworth's strange situation procedure. The sample comprised of 20 families where both parents were in full-time employment.
Table 1 shows results for the observed reunion behaviour.

Table 1

Table 1

Question (a)

(a)

Give one conclusion that could be made from this investigation. (1)

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Ainsworth suggested the 'caregiver sensitivity' hypothesis as an explanation for different attachment types.
Define what is meant by 'caregiver sensitivity'. (1)

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Describe the research methodology used by Samad and Amna in their investigation. (2)
6

[ 2 ]
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