Discovering Love (1958)
Harlow, H.F.
Hypothesis: If an infant monkey is given the choice between love and body nourishment then the monkey will choose love for development
Operational Definitions: Contact comfort- Pleasure received from physical touch. Open Field Tests- experiment used to asses’ movement levels as well as anxiety in rodents through scientific research. Kangaroo care- A method of caring for infants with skin-to-skin contact by a parent.
Research Method: Experiment
Population: Humans and monkeys
Sample: 8 monkeys
Procedure: Harlow conducted 4 different studies starting with the separation of infant monkeys from their mothers directly after their birth. Placed in a cubicle, the monkeys were to be raised by a machine surrogate mother in the form of a monkey. One mother was made of wood and sponge, wrapped with a terry cloth while the other mother was made of bare mesh wire. Both surrogates had a breast dispenser and a light bulb on the inside of their coverings to provide warmth for the monkeys. The constructed machines were then placed in two different cubicles. 8 monkeys were separated and placed in a cubicle joining the machines. Each cubicle contained both machines but One cubicle contained a wired monkey with breast milk and the other cubicle contained a cloth monkey with the breast milk. The quantity of time spent with each mother was then recorded by researchers. Harlow then proceeded to place a feared object in the monkey’s cage to document its reaction and which mother it runs to. Next, Harlow placed objects monkeys are fond of playing with in a open field rather then a cubicle with no machine, the cloth machine, or the wire machine to detect the monkey’s reaction to free exploration. Last, Harlow wanted to understand how the infants would react with separation. Once the monkey’s reached 6 months of age he separated them from their mothers for a short period of time only to reunite them soon after.
Results: All four studies of the experiment resulted in the clothed mother being preferred the most. The monkeys clung to the cloth mother whether or whether not she provided the milk. When the infant monkeys faced the feared object in their cubicle they sprinted back to the comfort of the cloth mother. This reaction was the same when a monkey was placed in an open-field for it immediately grew panicked due to its new surroundings and returned to the cloth mother. If the cubicle did not hold a cloth mom the monkey grew stressed and frantic. Throughout the studies as the monkey’s age increased its response to the mother grew stronger.
Ethics: Harlow's work has been criticized on the ethics of performing experiments on infant monkeys but there are arguments on both sides. One being that experimenting on monkeys is horrific and should be prohibited. The other opinion suggests, Harlow’s work is justified due to its potential benefits to people and society. According to this opinion, Harlow’s work has benefitted and influenced changes in orphanages, adoption agencies, and foster cares treatment.
Make the Connection: From the day I was born my life has been filled with love and warmth. My family revolves around care and support. Without this loving foundation that I receive I would not be as happy, healthy, and prosperous. Some families begin through adoption, divorce, or foster care resulting sometimes in an unsupportive childhood. Beginning one’s life like this can result in future self unhappiness and an isolated life style as seen through some of my friends.