A03

• Point: One strength of Lorenz's research is the existence of support for the concept of imprinting.

  Evidence: Regolin and Vallortigara (1995) exposed chicks to simple moving shape combinations, such as a triangle with a rectangle in front.

  Explain: The findings demonstrated that chicks would follow shapes that most closely resembled the original.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that young animals possess an innate mechanism to imprint on moving objects, aligning with Lorenz's predictions
• Point: One limitation of Lorenz's studies is the ability to generalise findings and conclusions from birds to humans.

  Evidence: Mammalian attachment systems differ significantly from those of birds, involving a two-way process of attachment in mammals.

  Explain: Unlike birds, mammalian mothers also show emotional attachment to their young, suggesting that Lorenz's ideas may not apply directly to humans.

  Link: Hence, it is likely inappropriate to extend Lorenz's findings to human attachment behaviour due to the fundamental differences between species.
• Point: One strength of Harlow's research is its important real-world applications.

  Evidence: Harlow's findings have informed interventions in child development and animal welfare, aiding social workers and psychologists.

  Explain: Understanding the significance of bonding experiences has practical implications for preventing negative outcomes in child development and improving animal care in captive settings.

  Link: Therefore, the practical utility of Harlow's research extends beyond theoretical understanding to influence real-world practices.
• Point: One limitation of Harlow's research is the ability to generalise findings and conclusions from monkeys to humans.

  Evidence: Rhesus monkeys share some attachment behaviours with humans more so than Lorenz’s birds and mammals do share common attachment behaviours. 

  Explain: However, the complexity of human behaviour and brain function does still differ significantly.

  Link: Thus, it may not be appropriate to apply Harlow's findings to humans without considering the unique complexities of human attachment behaviour.