animal studies of attachment evaluation

Question 1

What does it mean when we say Lorenz’s study lacks generalisability to humans

Answer 1

some of his findings from imprinting have influenced our understanding of human development
HOWEVER,
there is a problem in generalising from findings on birds to humans as mammalian attachment system is quite different from that in birds

e.g. mammalian mothers show more emotional attachment to young than birds and mammals may be able to form attachments at any time, even though it would be easier at infancy

This means that it is not appropriate to try to generalise any of Lorenz’s ideas to humans

Question 2

some of Lorenz’s observations have been questioned - why is this a limitation

Answer 2

later researchers questioned some of Lorenz’s conclusions e.g. the idea that imprinting has a permanent effect on mating behaviour

Guiton et al 1966 found that chickens imprinted on yellow washing up gloves would try to mate with them as adults ( as Lorenz would have predicted), but that with experience they eventually learn to prefer other chickens

Question 3

what does it mean when we say Harlow’s study had theoretical value

Answer 3

Harlow’s findings have had a profound effect on psychologists’ understanding of human mother- infant attachment

It showed that:

1. attachment does not develop as the result of being fed by a mother figure but as a result of comfort
2. the importance of the quality of early relationship for later social development including the ability to hold down adult relationships and successfully rear children

Question 4

what is the practical value of Halow’s study

Answer 4

insight into attachment from Harlow’s research has had important applications in a range of practical contexts

e. g. it has helped social workers understand risk factors in child neglect and abuse and so intervene to prevent it (Howe 1998)
- these findings are also important in the care of captive monkeys; we now understand the importance of proper attachment figures for baby monkeys in zoos and also in breeding programmes in the wild

Question 5

what ethical issues aroused in Harlow’s study

Answer 5

Harlow faced severe criticism for the ethics of his research

monkeys suffered greatly as a result of Harlow’s procedures. The species is considered similar enough to humans to be able to generalise the findings, which also means the suffering was presumably quite human - like.

Even Harlow was aware of the suffering he caused and referred to the wire mothers as “iron maidens” after the medieval torture device

Question 6

what is the counter argument to the ethical issues in Harlow’s study

Answer 6

Harlow’s research was sufficiently important to justify the effects