Structured observation (strange situation) gave Ainsworth¡¦s group a better control over the environment; it enables variables to be studied in a systematic way, and reduced the impact of confounding variables. It is a useful technique to study a child¡¦s emotional development; it can also be used to predict future social behavior: Research has shown that two year-olds rated as insecurely attached were less likely to ask adults for help and became frustrated more quickly if they encountered problems; Children rated as securely attached between 12 to 18 months of age were more confident and outgoing at both 5 and 10 years old and more enthusiastic about solving problems. This technique also allows the research to be replicated easier and provides a better control means. However, Main (1991) found that not all babies fit into the classification system, although many do, this is because the structured observation (strange situation) may have lower ecological validity. The artificial environment (the Strange Situation has been criticized for being artificial) may affect behavior so that the results can¡¦t be generalized to more natural settings. Another criticism is that attachment patterns can change. The attachments may shift from insecure to secure, and vice versa, depending on family circumstances. These circumstances might include changes in the people available to the child, or changes in the amount of stress a mother may be under. This suggests attachment is not fixed component of mother-child relationships. This study was also criticized on ethical grounds for the stress it caused some children. There were also cultural variations in attachment patterns. Secure attachments were most common in all cultures. But German mothers value independent behavior and may tend to see the securely attached child as ¡§spoiled¡¨. Japanese families in the other hand have a high percentage of ambivalent children and few avoidance...