Describe the Ainsworth 'Strange Situation' study on attachment.

The Ainsworth 'Strange Situation' study investigated the nature of attachment between infants and caregivers.

Mary Ainsworth developed the 'Strange Situation' study as a way to observe the attachment styles of infants and their caregivers. The study involved placing an infant in a room with their caregiver and a stranger, and observing their reactions to different situations. The study was designed to assess the attachment style of the infant and the caregiver's sensitivity to the child's needs.

The study identified three main attachment styles: secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant. Infants with secure attachment styles were comfortable exploring their environment and interacting with strangers, as long as their caregiver was present. Insecure-avoidant infants showed little distress when their caregiver left and avoided them upon their return. Insecure-resistant infants were clingy and distressed when their caregiver left, but were ambivalent upon their return.

The 'Strange Situation' study has been widely used to investigate attachment styles in different cultures and to explore the effects of early experiences on later development. The study has also been criticized for its focus on the mother-child relationship and for not taking into account the role of fathers and other caregivers.

Overall, the 'Strange Situation' study has greatly contributed to our understanding of attachment and its importance in early development.