Animal studies

• Who was one of the most prominent ethologists in the early 20th century?

  Konrad Lorenz
• What did Lorenz's observations inform psychologists about?

  Mother-infant attachment in humans
• What phenomenon did Lorenz first observe as a child?

  Imprinting
• What was the procedure Lorenz used in his classic experiment?

  He divided a clutch of goose eggs and hatched them in different environments
• What were the findings of Lorenz's experiment with the goose eggs?

  The incubator group followed Lorenz, while the control group followed their mother
• What is imprinting according to Lorenz's research?

  It is when bird species attach to and follow the first moving object they see
• What did Lorenz identify as a critical period for imprinting?

  A few hours after hatching or birth
• What happens if imprinting does not occur within the critical period?

  Chicks do not attach themselves to a mother figure
• What relationship did Lorenz investigate regarding imprinting?

  The relationship between imprinting and adult mate preferences
• What did Lorenz conclude about a peacock that imprinted on giant tortoises?

  It directed courtship behavior towards giant tortoises as an adult
• What is the significance of animal studies in psychology?

  They help understand attachment in humans
• What species did Harlow conduct his research on?

  Rhesus monkeys
• What did Harlow find about newborns kept alone in a bare cage?

  They usually died without something soft to cuddle
• What was the purpose of Harlow's experiment with wire model 'mothers'?

  To test if a soft object serves some functions of a mother
• What were the findings of Harlow's experiment regarding attachment behavior?

  Baby monkeys preferred the cloth-covered mother for comfort
• What severe consequences did maternally deprived monkeys face as adults?

  They exhibited dysfunctional social behavior and aggression
• What critical period did Harlow identify for forming attachments?

  90 days
• What happens if a mother figure is not introduced within the critical period?

  Attachment becomes impossible and damage is irreversible
• Why is it problematic to generalize Lorenz's findings to humans?

  The mammalian attachment system is quite different from that in birds
• What did later researchers question about Lorenz's conclusions on imprinting?

  That imprinting has a permanent effect on mating behavior
• What did Harlow's findings reveal about the development of attachment?

  Attachment develops from contact comfort, not just feeding
• How have Harlow's findings been applied in practical contexts?

  They have helped social workers understand child neglect and abuse
• What was Harlow's perspective on the suffering caused by his research?

  He was aware of the suffering and referred to wire mothers as 'iron maidens'
• What ethical issues did Harlow face in his research?

  The monkeys suffered greatly due to the procedures used
• What is the counter-argument regarding the ethics of Harlow's research?

  That the research was important enough to justify the effects