What were the findings of Harlow's research on maternal deprivation

Harlow made use of rhesus monkeys to study maternal deprivation and found that, when they are placed in a scary environment, the monkeys were more likely to cling to the cloth artificial monkey than the iron one, indicating contact comfort. This went against some ideas from other researchers that feeding is the most important process in bonding between the mother and infant. He also found that, when an elder monkey was introduced into the cage with the deprived, the deprived monkey clung to the older one and followed them round in order to catch up with the development of socialisation skills that they had missed through being deprived for the 165 days.

RT
Answered by Rachel T. Psychology tutor

3260 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline research into the effect of misleading information on the accuracy of EWT [6]


A psychologist interviewed Zina and Amanda 5 months after witnessing a car crash to see if they could remember the same level of detail about the incident. Explain one ethical issue the psychologist must consider before interviewing Zina and Amanda.


Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using open questions in an interview.


What is a longitudinal study and what are the advantages of using it in research?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning