What is the significance of the 'Strange Situation' experiment conducted by Ainsworth?

The 'Strange Situation' experiment, developed by Mary Ainsworth, is a significant assessment tool in developmental psychology specifically focused on understanding attachment styles in infants. By observing how infants react to separations and reunions with their primary caregivers in a controlled environment, Ainsworth was able to identify distinct attachment patterns: secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant (or ambivalent).

This method provided valuable insights into the nature of the child-caregiver relationship and highlighted how different attachment styles can impact emotional and social development later in life. The findings from the Strange Situation have been pivotal in the field of attachment theory, influencing both research and practice regarding child development and parenting. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the core purpose and significance of the 'Strange Situation' experiment.