Questions and Answers
What primary needs did Harlow discover may be as strong as or stronger than hunger or thirst?
What did Harlow use to conduct his experiments when he could not use humans?
Rhesus monkeys
Harlow's hypothesis included the idea that monkeys do not need close contact with comforting objects.
False
What were the two types of mothers used in Harlow's experiment?
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What was the primary focus during the Natural Comfort Test in Harlow's experiment?
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What behavior did monkeys exhibit during the fear test?
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Harlow's experiments provided proof that love is vital for normal childhood __________.
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The attachment process develops more slowly in humans compared to monkeys.
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What negative outcomes can result from deprivation of love according to Harlow's experiments?
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Match the studies that applied Harlow's experiment with their findings:
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Study Notes
Background Info
- Freud and other Freudians explored the origins of love, identifying the first experience as one with mothers.
- Harlow's work with Rhesus monkeys demonstrated that love and affection may be critical needs, potentially stronger than hunger or thirst.
- Ethical limitations prevented testing on humans; hence, Rhesus monkeys were used to investigate the maternal bond.
Hypothesis
- Harlow hypothesized that infant monkeys require close contact with a soft, comforting object in addition to satisfying hunger and thirst.
- Experiment designs included constructing various surrogate mothers to study attachment behavior, especially after separation.
Experiment
- Independent Variables included the presence and type of mother (cloth or wire), feeding source, and fearful items.
- Dependent Variables measured included the time spent with mothers and choices made in various situations.
- Experimental setup involved cubicles with different mother configurations to observe monkeys’ behavior.
Summary of Experiment
- Two types of mothers were created: one cloth-covered and one made of wire, both offering milk but differing in contact comfort.
- Monkeys placed in cubicles exhibited preferences based on comfort rather than food alone, revealing attachment dynamics.
- Under fear-induced conditions, monkeys displayed behaviors indicative of seeking comfort from the cloth mother.
Natural Comfort Test
- After several days, all infants preferred the cloth mother despite equal feeding, highlighting the significance of comfort over basic needs.
- Monkeys fed by wire mothers experienced digestive issues, contrasting with healthy development in those preferring cloth mothers.
Fear Test
- In fearful situations, monkeys consistently sought the cloth mother for reassurance, irrespective of feeding source.
- This behavior underscored the importance of comfort in alleviating fear, reinforcing attachment theory.
Open Field Test
- Monkeys without a soft mother exhibited extreme fear responses, including freezing, crying, and thumb-sucking.
- Reactions remained similar when only the wire mother was present, indicating a lack of security and comfort in fearful environments.
Criticisms
- Concerns exist regarding the validity of comparing monkey attachments to human attachments due to developmental differences.
- Ethical considerations arise from using monkeys in potentially harmful experiments, although findings benefited understanding child development issues.
Studies that Applied Harlow's Experiment
- Studies explored links between social isolation and physical health, reinforcing the critical nature of emotional bonds.
- Research identified the importance of skin-to-skin contact for the survival and bonding of premature infants following birth.
Conclusion
- Harlow's findings confirmed that love is essential for healthy childhood development.
- Additional research indicated severe consequences of maternal deprivation, leading to significant psychological and emotional issues.
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Description
Explore the pivotal studies that delve into the psychology of love and attachment. From Freud's theories on maternal love to Harlow's groundbreaking research on infant attachment, this quiz uncovers the essential elements that define our early experiences with love. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts that shape human relationships.
