In Harlow’s famous monkey experiments, frightened infant monkeys raised with cloth and wire surrogate mothers predominantly did what when frightened?

In Harlow’s famous monkey experiments, frightened infant monkeys raised with cloth and wire surrogate mothers predominantly did what when frightened?

• A. Ignored both surrogates and hid
• B. Ran over and clung to the cloth and wire surrogate mothers
• C. Sought social contact only with other monkeys
• D. Reached for food from a separate source

Answer: (B)

When monkeys are frightened, the need for contact comfort drives attachment. In Harlow’s setup, the soft cloth surrogate provides a soothing, comforting presence, whereas the wire surrogate offers nourishment but not the comforting touch. So frightened infants rapidly seek out the cloth surrogate and cling to it for security, using it as a safe base to feel calm. This demonstrates that emotional security and tactile comfort are key factors in forming attachments, not just the availability of food. The wire surrogate’s nutritional benefit doesn’t override the soothing reassurance the cloth surrogate provides.

When monkeys are frightened, the need for contact comfort drives attachment. In Harlow’s setup, the soft cloth surrogate provides a soothing, comforting presence, whereas the wire surrogate offers nourishment but not the comforting touch. So frightened infants rapidly seek out the cloth surrogate and cling to it for security, using it as a safe base to feel calm. This demonstrates that emotional security and tactile comfort are key factors in forming attachments, not just the availability of food. The wire surrogate’s nutritional benefit doesn’t override the soothing reassurance the cloth surrogate provides.