3.3.1 Lorenz's Geese Study

• What is imprinting in animals?

  Attachment to the first moving object seen
• What was the main focus of Lorenz's study?

  Imprinting in geese
• What did the behavior of the geese confirm?

  That imprinting had occurred
• What is the nature of the attachment formed through imprinting?

  It is strong and permanent
• What did Lorenz do after observing the geese's attachment behavior?

  He mixed all the geese together
• What are the strengths of Lorenz's study?

  • Simplicity makes it easy to understand
  • Highlights the critical period for attachment
  • Demonstrates imprinting can occur on humans
• What is the reliability of Lorenz's findings?

  Reliable and replicable in similar studies
• What behavior did Lorenz observe in the incubator-hatched geese?

  They followed Lorenz
• What was the outcome when Lorenz mixed the geese together?

  Imprinted geese returned to Lorenz
• What behavior did Lorenz observe in the geese that hatched with their mother?

  They followed their mother
• How did Lorenz divide the goose eggs in his study?

  Into two groups: one with mother, one in incubator
• Why might the generalizability of Lorenz's study be considered limited?

  Due to species differences
• How can geese imprint on humans?

  By seeing them as the first moving object
• How did Lorenz's findings influence later researchers like Bowlby?

  They developed attachment styles used today
• What does sexual imprinting influence in geese?

  Mate preferences later in life
• What happens if imprinting does not occur during the critical period?

  The attachment might never form
• What ethical concerns are associated with disrupting natural attachments in Lorenz's study?

  It may cause distress to the geese
• What are the weaknesses of Lorenz's study?

  • Limited generalizability to humans
  • Ethical concerns about disrupting natural attachments
  • Overemphasis on critical period neglects later learning
• What are the key findings of Lorenz's research on imprinting?

  • Imprinting occurs during a critical period after hatching
  • The first moving object seen triggers imprinting
  • Geese can imprint on humans
  • The attachment formed is strong and permanent
  • Sexual imprinting influences mate preferences later in life
• Why are Lorenz's findings considered crucial in understanding relationships?

  They highlight innate aspects of attachment
• What does the critical period refer to in Lorenz's study?

  The specific time for attachment formation
• What did Lorenz's findings suggest about the nature of attachment?

  It has innate aspects, not just learned
• What ethical considerations arise from Lorenz's study?

  • Potential distress to geese
  • Impact on natural behaviors
  • Benefits of understanding attachment must justify ethical impact
• When does imprinting typically occur?

  During a specific critical period after birth
• How does Lorenz's study demonstrate high internal validity?

  It shows consistent results within geese
• What triggers imprinting in geese?

  The first moving object seen
• What concept did Lorenz introduce regarding attachment formation?

  Critical period for attachment formation
• What was the focus of Lorenz's study in attachment theory?

  Imprinting in goslings
• What was the methodology used in Lorenz's geese study?

  • Divided goose eggs into two groups:
  • One group hatched with their natural mother
  • Other group hatched in an incubator with Lorenz as the first moving object
  • Observed attachment behavior of both groups
  • Mixed geese to test imprinting
• What concept does Lorenz's study primarily investigate?

  Imprinting
• What is the external validity of Lorenz's study?

  Low external validity to human attachment
• How can the findings of Lorenz's study be applied to human attachment?

  They suggest critical periods exist in humans
• What occurs during a critical period shortly after hatching?

  Imprinting