Question 1: Who conducted the famous experiment with baby monkeys and surrogate mothers, which demonstrated the importance of comfort in attachment?

Answer: Harry Harlow

Question 2: Describe the main finding of Harry Harlow’s experiment with baby monkeys and cloth versus wire surrogate mothers.

Answer: Monkeys preferred the cloth mother for comfort and security, even when the wire mother provided food, indicating contact comfort is crucial in attachment.

Question 3: In Harlow’s experiment, what did the monkeys do when they were frightened? How does this relate to attachment?

Answer: They sought comfort from the cloth surrogate mother, showing attachment involves seeking security and comfort in times of fear.

Question 4: Explain why animal studies, like Harlow’s, are important for understanding human attachment.

Answer: They allow controlled experiments to observe attachment behaviors and help us understand fundamental needs that may also apply to humans.

Question 5: What ethical issues are associated with using animals in attachment studies? List two concerns.

Answer: Potential harm or distress to animals and the question of whether it is right to experiment on animals for research purposes.

Question 6: Imagine you are asked to sketch a simple diagram showing Harlow’s experiment setup with a baby monkey and two surrogate mothers. Describe what you would include in your sketch.

Answer: A baby monkey in the center, with two surrogate mothers on either side—one covered in cloth and one made of wire. The wire mother should have a feeding bottle, and the cloth mother should appear soft and cuddly.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram of Harlow’s experiment setup. The diagram should clearly show the two surrogate mothers and the baby monkey's position. Label the key parts.

Answer: A large blank space with a baby monkey positioned between two surrogate figures—one cloth-covered and soft, the other wire with a feeding bottle. Labels: 'Cloth Surrogate', 'Wire Surrogate with Bottle', 'Baby Monkey'.

Question 8: Based on Harlow’s findings, what can we infer about the role of contact comfort in attachment?

Answer: Contact comfort is a fundamental factor in attachment, providing emotional security and comfort beyond basic needs like food.

Question 9: How might the results of Harlow’s experiment be different if the monkeys had been kept in a different environment, such as one with more social interaction? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: More social interaction could have influenced their attachment behaviors, possibly making them more social or less dependent on surrogate objects for comfort.