An experiment designed by Ainsworth and her colleagues to study separation anxiety in children when their mothers leave the room. The mother brings her baby into a controlled setting and allows the child to explore the room. In a few moments, a new and unfamiliar adult enters the room and the mother leaves the baby alone with this new adult. After a few more moments, the mother returns and the new adult leaves the room. The mother spends a few moments with the baby alone. Meanwhile, researchers and clinicians videotape the experiment so that the child’s reactions can be analyzed and recorded.