animal studies

• lorenz - chicken study


  • interested in 'imprinting' - developing a strong bond with the 'mother' in first few moments after birth
  • 2 egg groups - one with mother, one in incubator
  • when incubator group hatched they imprinted on him, heading towards him instead of the mother when given the choice
  • imprinting behaviour is limited to a 'critical period' after birth
  • animals imprint on the first present moving object seen
  • irreversible and long lasting
  • attempt to mate with same 'object' they imprint on
• harlow - monkey study


  • demonstrates attachment isnt just based on feeding
  • created 2 wire monkeys - one wrapped in soft cloth, one not
  • seperated baby monkeys between the 2
  • all monkeys spent time with 'soft' mother whether it had a feeding bottle or not and stayed close when frightened
  • so infants dont have attachment to those who feed but those that provide comfort
  • critical period - 90 days
  • negative consequences of early experiences - experiences social and sexual abnormalities