Harlow's monkey study

• Harlow's monkey study aim

  • 1935
  • AIM: to test learning theory by comparing behaviours of baby monkeys with a cloth or wire mother
• Harlows monkey study procedure

  • created 2 mothers, one with a wire head and a food dispenser and one with a cloth head without a food dispenser
  • 8 infant monkeys were studied for 165 days
• Harlows monkey study findings

  • monkeys preferred contact with the cloth mother even when given a choice of food
  • monkeys with only a wire mother had diarrhoea (sign of stress)
  • scared monkeys cling to cloth mother
• hallows monkey study conclusion

  • monkeys have an unlearned need for comfort suggesting the attachment concerns emotional security more than food
  • contact comfort is associated with lower stress levels, indicating emotional security
• Harlows monkey study strengths

  • show comfort is primary for attachment
  • gives a clear insight into the need for comfort in attachment. (food isn't primary reinforcer for attachment)
  • highlights the critical period and impact for future relationships
• Harlows monkey study limitations

  • ethical issues - no informed consent
  • psychological distress on monkeys