An advantage of Harlow’s study is that it has theoretical value
How does Harlow’s study have theoretical value?
It had a profound effect on psychologists’ understanding of human mother–infant attachment. Most importantly Harlow showed that attachment does not develop as the result of being fed by a mother figure but as a result of contact comfort.
Harlow also showed us the importance of the quality of early relationships for later social development including the ability to hold down adult relationships and successfully rear children.
Another strength of Harlow’s study is that it has practical value
How does Harlow’s study have practical value (real world application)?
It has helped social workers understand risk factors in child neglect and abuse and so intervene to prevent it
What are the ethical issues of Harlow’s study?
The monkeys suffered greatly as a result of Harlow’s procedures. This species is considered similar enough to humans to be able to generalise the findings, which also means that their suffering was presumably quite human-like.
A counter arguments is that Harlow’s research was sufficiently important to justify the effects
