In Harry Harlow's experiments with baby monkeys, the baby monkey preferred which surrogate mother?

In Harry Harlow's experiments with baby monkeys, the baby monkey preferred which surrogate mother?

• A. Wire surrogate mother
• B. Terry-cloth surrogate mother
• C. Leather surrogate mother
• D. Cotton balls surrogate mother

Answer: (B)

Attachment is driven by contact comfort—the soothing, secure feel of a soft, warm caregiver. In Harlow’s study, infant monkeys spent more time with the terry-cloth surrogate, even though the wire surrogate provided food. The cloth mother offered warmth, softness, and tactile reassurance, which helped calm the infant and supported exploration. This strong emotional bond formed from that sense of security, not from nourishment alone. The other surrogates didn’t provide that level of comfort and safety, so they were less preferred as a source of attachment.

Attachment is driven by contact comfort—the soothing, secure feel of a soft, warm caregiver. In Harlow’s study, infant monkeys spent more time with the terry-cloth surrogate, even though the wire surrogate provided food. The cloth mother offered warmth, softness, and tactile reassurance, which helped calm the infant and supported exploration. This strong emotional bond formed from that sense of security, not from nourishment alone. The other surrogates didn’t provide that level of comfort and safety, so they were less preferred as a source of attachment.