A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

According to Ainsworth and Bell's results, what behaviour increases when the mother leaves the baby alone with a stranger?

1. Crying

2. Exploring

3. Playing

4. Relaxing

The correct answer is: Crying

Crying is the correct response in this context, as it directly relates to the attachment theory proposed by Ainsworth and her findings in the Strange Situation study. When a mother leaves her baby alone with a stranger, the infant typically exhibits increased distress, which is manifested through crying. This behavior is indicative of the infant's feelings of insecurity and anxiety due to the absence of the primary attachment figure and the presence of an unfamiliar individual. The strong emotional bond between the baby and the mother is emphasized in this scenario; when separated from a familiar and trusted caregiver, the child becomes fearful and distressed, leading to crying as a means of expressing that emotional turmoil. Insecure attachment styles, particularly anxious or ambivalent attachment, are often characterized by increased crying behaviors in such situations. In contrast, behaviors such as exploring, playing, or relaxing would suggest a level of comfort and security that is typically absent when a child feels threatened by a stranger's presence, especially in the absence of their caregiver. Therefore, crying appropriately reflects the psychological and emotional response observed in such circumstances.