To determine:
How might Harlow’s studies on attachment in infant monkeys apply to human children and their caregivers?
Concept introduction:
Attachment to caregivers ensures a baby’s survival by forming a connection that provides resources (such as food), protection, and comfort. To investigage whether or not caregivers provided more than just food, Harry Harlow created two fake “mothers” to be used with baby rhesus monkeys. One mother was made of soft cloth but did not provide food and the other was made of wire but was offered food. Harlow discovered that the baby monkeys preferred the soft comfort of the cloth mother, and only quickly visited the wire monkey when they needed food. Additionally, in times of perceived danger the baby monkeys chose the cloth mother.
Explanation of Solution
Suggested responses:
Although Harlow’s studies were conducted on rhesus monkeys, his findings can be related back to human development. Consider that all infants have certain needs in order to survive into adulthood. Basic needs include food and safety. Harlow’s monkeys visited both monkeys—the wire one when they needed food and the cloth one when they needed safety or comfort. These findings showed that comfort, not just sustenance, is important in a baby’s development, and that an infant will choose to have both. The same can be said of human babies. Food is necessary, but so is having the safety of a caregiver. Humans cry and smile early in infancy (as described on page 126) because this brings caregivers closer to them. This closeness is not just about nourishment, but also connection, safety, and belonging.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 4 Solutions
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
- Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)PsychologyISBN:9780134477961Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland WhitePublisher:PEARSONCognitive PsychologyPsychologyISBN:9781337408271Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.Publisher:Cengage Learning,Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...PsychologyISBN:9781337565691Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. MartiniPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)PsychologyISBN:9780393265156Author:Sarah Grison, Michael GazzanigaPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyCognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...PsychologyISBN:9781285763880Author:E. Bruce GoldsteinPublisher:Cengage LearningTheories of Personality (MindTap Course List)PsychologyISBN:9781305652958Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen SchultzPublisher:Cengage Learning