Harlow’s Monkeys AO3

• Real world value

  +One strength of Harlows research is its important real-world applications.

  It has helped social workers & clinical psychologists understand that a lack of bonding experience may be a risk factor in child's development allowing them to intervene to prevent poor outcomes (Howe). We also now understand the importance of attachment figures for baby monkeys in zoos & breeding programmes in the wild. This means that Harlows theory is theoretical and practical.
• Generalisability to humans

  -One limitation of Harlow's research is the ability to generalise findings & conclusions from monkeys to humans. Harlow’s monkeys are more similar to humans than Lorenz's birds & all mammals share some common attachment behaviours. However the human brain & human behaviour is still more complex than that of monkeys. This means it may still not be appropriate to generalise Harlow’s findings to humans.