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What scale was used to rate attachment behaviors in Ainsworth and Bell’s study?

  1. A 5-point scale

  2. A 10-point scale

  3. A 7-point scale

  4. A 3-point scale

The correct answer is: A 7-point scale

The correct answer reflects that Ainsworth and Bell used a 7-point scale to rate attachment behaviors in their study, particularly in the context of the Strange Situation procedure. This scale allowed researchers to assess various dimensions of the child's attachment, such as proximity seeking, contact maintaining, and resistance to the caregiver’s attempts to comfort. Utilizing a 7-point scale provided a nuanced measurement system that could differentiate subtle variations in behaviors, making it effective for analyzing the quality of attachment. This scale collected data on how the child responded in the presence of the caregiver and during separations, contributing to the classifications of attachment styles: secure, insecure-avoidant, or insecure-resistant. The structured rating system facilitated reliability and consistency in assessing the attachment styles, allowing the findings to be compared across different subjects.