Harlow's Monkey Study

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate the basis of attachment bond between mother and infant

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• Created 2 wire monkeys, with one wrapped in soft cloth whilst the other had food
  -8 monkeys were observed for 165 days in the presence of the wire monkeys
  -Responses were recorded when they were frightened ( by a mechanical teddy bear)

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• All of the monkeys spent the most time with the cloth monkey rather than the food one
• When frightened, all 8 monkeys clung to the cloth covered monkey

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Attachments are formed on the basis of comfort and provision of contentment rather than food

Question 5

Follow Up Findings

Answer 5

• Orphaned monkeys were dysfunctional as adults, displaying aggression and being less social
• Some of them neglected and attacked their own children

Question 6

Negative evaluation

Answer 6

• Ethical issues
  
  • caused immediate and long term harm for monkeys involved

Question 7

Positive Evaluation

Answer 7

Unethical procedure can be justified
- Research can be applied to humans and can help to understand human attachments
- eg; lacking a maternal figure in childhood has been used to help social workers understand risk factors for child abuse and neglect

Question 8

Human Replication

Answer 8

Schaffer & Emerson found that humans were most attached to the person who was the most responsive and caring