The Harlows’ study on rhesus monkeys showed that:
Options:
a. rhesus monkeys raised by other primate species are poorly socialized b. monkeys can be adequately socialized by imitating humans c. food is more important than social comfort d. social comfort is more important than food |
The Correct Answer Is:
d. social comfort is more important than food
Correct Answer Explanation: d. social comfort is more important than food
Harlow’s study on rhesus monkeys provided critical insights into the significance of social comfort in psychological development. The correct answer, “d. social comfort is more important than food,” aligns with the core findings of the study.
Harlow conducted experiments where infant monkeys were separated from their mothers and raised with surrogate mothers made of wire and cloth. These surrogate mothers dispensed either food or comfort.
The monkeys consistently preferred the cloth mother despite it not providing nourishment, showcasing that they prioritized social comfort over basic sustenance. This preference highlighted the profound importance of social attachment and emotional support for these primates’ well-being.
The other options can be addressed to understand why they are not the correct answer:
a. Rhesus monkeys raised by other primate species are poorly socialized:
Harlow’s study did not focus on rhesus monkeys raised by different primate species. Rather, it emphasized the significance of social comfort versus basic needs like food.
The study aimed to showcase the impact of social connections on the monkeys’ psychological development rather than comparing their socialization based on different primate species.
The study did not focus on rhesus monkeys raised by different primate species but rather emphasized the significance of social comfort versus basic needs like food, thereby not directly addressing the socialization of rhesus monkeys by other primate species.
b. Monkeys can be adequately socialized by imitating humans:
Harlow’s study did not primarily involve monkeys imitating humans for socialization. Instead, it explored the significance of comfort and social attachment through surrogate mothers, whether made of wire or cloth.
While human interaction might influence social behavior in monkeys, the study’s essence revolved around the importance of social comfort over imitating specific species for socialization.
Harlow’s study primarily examined the significance of comfort and social attachment through surrogate mothers, made of wire and cloth, rather than emphasizing monkeys imitating humans for socialization, thus not supporting the idea that monkeys can be adequately socialized by imitating humans.
c. Food is more important than social comfort:
Contrary to this statement, Harlow’s study showed that even when food was available through the wire mother, the infant monkeys preferred the cloth mother, emphasizing their prioritization of social comfort over sustenance.
The study demonstrated that emotional support and attachment were crucial for the monkeys’ psychological well-being, suggesting that social comfort holds more significance than mere access to food.
In summary, Harlow’s study on rhesus monkeys underscored the fundamental significance of social comfort in psychological development. It showcased that emotional support and attachment were paramount for the monkeys’ well-being, as they consistently preferred social comfort over basic needs like food.
The study’s focus was on the critical role of social attachment rather than comparing different primate species’ socialization or the importance of imitating humans for social development.
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