Who is associated with the “strange situation” to study attachment?

The "strange situation" is a structured observational study developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess the quality of attachment between infants and their primary caregivers. Ainsworth's research identified different attachment styles, including secure, anxious, and avoidant attachments, based on the infant's behavior during a series of separations and reunions with the caregiver. Her work was instrumental in the field of developmental psychology, particularly in understanding how the early interactions between a child and their caregiver can affect emotional and social development throughout life. This methodology provided insights into attachment theory and highlighted the significance of sensitive caregiving in fostering secure attachments.