Animal Studies

Question 1

Lorenz’s Research

Answer 1

. Goslings saw Lorenz when they hatched
. Newly hatched chicks attach to the first moving object they see (imprinting)

Question 2

What is sexual imprinting

Answer 2

Adult birds try to mate whatever species or object they imprint on

Question 3

Evaluation of Lorenz

Answer 3

Generalisability = Birds and mammals have different attachment systems - Lorenz results may not be relevant to humans

Some observations questioned = Gulton et al: birds imprinting on rubber gloves did later prefer their own species

Question 4

Harlow’s Research

Answer 4

. Baby monkeys given cloth or wire ‘mother’ with feeding bottle attached
. Monkeys clung to cloth surrogate rather than wire one, regardless of which dispensed milk

Maternally deprived monkeys grew up socially dysfunctional

Question 5

What is the critical period

Answer 5

After 90 days attachment wouldn’t form

Question 6

Evaluation of Harlow’s Research

Answer 6

Theoretical Value = demonstrated that attachment depends more on comfort than feeding

Practical Value = Howe: informs understanding of risk factors for child abuse

Ethical Issues