Attachment: Animal Studies

Question 1

What was Lorenz’s aim?

Answer 1

To test imprinting and see if animals bond with the first subject they meet

Question 2

What was Lorenz’s method?

Answer 2

Divided clutch of geese eggs in half. Half hatched with mother being first thing they seen (control group) half in incubator with Lorenz being first moving thing they seen (experimental group)

Question 3

What were Lorenz’s findings?

Answer 3

Incubator group followed Lorenz and others followed mother. Infants imprinted on first living object they see

Question 4

What was Lorenz’s conclusion?

Answer 4

Animals are born with need to attach to mother figure supporting biological (nature) argument. Attachment aids safety and survival

Question 5

What was Lorenz’s critical period?

Answer 5

First few hours

Question 6

Lorenz AO3

Answer 6

Tested on animals
Different attachment systems
Generalisability is questionable

Lorenz’s ideas have been questioned
Idea imprinting has permanent affect on mating behaviour
It is not permanent