65. Attachment studies by Harry Harlow showed that infant monkeys separated from their mothers preferred to cling to a surrogate mother that
Answer: E
Infant monkeys preferred to cling to a surrogate mother that was covered in soft cloth.
Infant monkeys in Harlow's studies demonstrated a strong preference for a surrogate mother that was covered in soft cloth, indicating the importance of comfort and emotional security over basic needs like food.
A) Made monkey-like sounds
While sounds may play a role in social interaction, Harlow's studies showed that the tactile comfort provided by the soft cloth was far more significant in the attachment behavior of the monkeys. Therefore, this option does not address the critical factor of physical comfort in their attachment.
B) Provided food
Although food is a basic necessity, the infant monkeys in the study showed a clear preference for the surrogate that offered comfort through softness rather than sustenance. This indicates that emotional attachment can be prioritized over physical needs in their development.
C) Provided water
Providing water is essential for survival, but Harlow's research highlighted that the emotional bond and comfort derived from the soft cloth were more influential in attachment behaviors. Thus, this option does not align with the findings of the study.
D) Was made of wire
A wire surrogate would not provide the necessary comfort that the infant monkeys sought. Harlow's experiments specifically illustrated that physical softness and warmth were crucial for emotional attachment, making this option incorrect.
E) Was covered in soft cloth
This option is the correct choice as Harlow's studies conclusively demonstrated that the infant monkeys preferred to cling to a surrogate that was covered in soft cloth, prioritizing comfort and security over other factors.
Conclusion
The preference of infant monkeys for a soft cloth-covered surrogate is a pivotal finding in attachment theory, underscoring the significance of emotional comfort in early development. All other options fail to recognize the primary role of tactile comfort in forming secure attachments, as evidenced by Harlow's research.