Animal studies of attachment: Lorenz and Harlow - Attachment [A-Level Psychology]
Psych Boost・7 minutes read
Psychologists study animal behavior to understand why animals act as they do and apply findings to human behavior. Lorenz's research demonstrated imprinting in goslings, while Harlow's experiments on rhesus macaques tested attachment theories and influenced child care practices.
Insights
- Konrad Lorenz's research on imprinting revealed that goslings attach to the first moving object they see, emphasizing a critical period for imprinting within 32 hours of hatching.
- Harry Harlow's experiments demonstrated that infant monkeys prioritize comfort over basic needs like food, challenging traditional theories of attachment and influencing childcare practices by highlighting the importance of emotional connections over mere sustenance.
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Recent questions
Who are influential researchers in animal behavior studies?
Konrad Lorenz and Harry Harlow
What is the significance of studying animal behavior?
To understand why animals act the way they do
What did Konrad Lorenz's research on imprinting reveal?
Goslings follow the first moving object they see
How did Harry Harlow's experiments contribute to understanding attachment?
Infant monkeys preferred a cloth mother for comfort
What are the practical applications of Lorenz and Harlow's research?
Influencing child care practices and policies
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Summary
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Animal behavior research influences human behavior understanding.
- Animal behavior is studied by psychologists to understand why animals act the way they do, with findings often applied to human behavior.
- Two influential researchers in animal behavior studies are Konrad Lorenz, known for his work on imprinting in gray like geese, and Harry Harlow, known for his experiments on rhesus macaques.
- Lorenz's research on imprinting showed that goslings follow the first moving object they see, leading to a critical period for imprinting around 32 hours after hatching.
- Harlow's experiments tested the theory of attachment based on learning, showing that infant monkeys preferred a cloth mother for comfort over a wire mother providing food.
- Despite ethical concerns, findings from Lorenz and Harlow's research have practical applications in understanding human behavior, influencing child care practices and policies regarding infant care.
