Question

which of the following is true regarding harlows surrogate mother monkey experiment?

a.) the monkeys preferred the soft, cuddly monkey that did not dispense milk.

b.) both monkeys dispensed milk.

c.) the monkeys preferred the wire mesh monkey that dispensed milk.

d.) neither monkey dispensed milk.

Explanation:

Analyze Harlow's experimental setup

Harry Harlow conducted famous experiments in the mid-20th century using infant rhesus monkeys to study attachment. He separated infant monkeys from their biological mothers at birth and raised them with two types of surrogate mothers:

1. A bare wire mesh mother that was equipped with a bottle to dispense milk.
2. A soft, terry-cloth covered mother that did not dispense any milk.

Evaluate infant monkey preferences

According to behavioral theories of the time (like behaviorism), infants were expected to bond with whoever provided nourishment. However, Harlow observed that the infant monkeys spent the vast majority of their day clinging to the soft, cloth mother. They only visited the wire mother briefly to feed when they were hungry, and immediately returned to the cloth mother.

Connect findings to developmental concepts

This research demonstrated that Biological Factors in Development extend beyond basic physiological needs like food. It highlighted the critical importance of "contact comfort"—the physical and emotional comfort provided by soft, warm contact—in forming secure attachments.

Evaluate the given options

• a.) The monkeys preferred the soft, cuddly monkey that did not dispense milk. This is true; they preferred the cloth mother despite her not providing food.
• b.) Both monkeys dispensed milk. This is false; only the wire mother dispensed milk in the primary experimental condition.
• c.) The monkeys preferred the wire mesh monkey that dispensed milk. This is false; they only used the wire mother for feeding and preferred the cloth mother.
• d.) Neither monkey dispensed milk. This is false; the wire mother did dispense milk to keep the infants alive.

Answer:

• a.) The monkeys preferred the soft, cuddly monkey that did not dispense milk. (Correct answer)
• b.) Both monkeys dispensed milk.
• c.) The monkeys preferred the wire mesh monkey that dispensed milk.
• d.) Neither monkey dispensed milk.