Animal studies

• Lorenz strength:

  Support for the concept of imprinting Lorenz proposed.

  • Regolin et al 1995 supports the idea that chicks followed the first moving object they see.
  • Chicks were presented with simple shape combinations that moved ie a triangle with a rectangle in front.
  • Chicks followed the original shape the most
  • This supports the theory that Lorenz proposed that chicks most closely follow the first moving object they see during the critical period
• Lorenz limitation:

  can't be applied to humans

  • Birds and humans have a different brain and different body type, we aren't closely related to them as we are with monkeys (Harlows research)
  • In birds attachment is a one way process- birds see the first moving object and attach themselves. However in humans its a two way emotional bond in which the baby and the mother must add to the relationship.
  • Therefore this cannot be applied to the population
• Harlow Strength:

  Importance in real world application.

  • Harlows research has helped social workers understand that a lack of an emotional bond may be a risk factor in child development allowing them to intervene to prevent poor outcome (Howe 1998)
  • It also helps us understand what monkeys need in zoos and breeding programmes
  • Shows that Harlows research isn't just theoretical but also practical