Harry Harlow's experiments with rhesus monkeys and surrogate mothers demonstrate the importance of which factor in early development?

• A. Operant conditioning
• B. Nutritional needs
• C. Contact comfort
• D. Genetic inheritance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key focus of Harry Harlow's experiments, which involved rhesus monkeys and surrogate mothers.
2. Understand that Harlow's research was designed to explore what motivates infant monkeys to form attachments, beyond just meeting basic needs like nutrition.
3. Recall that Harlow presented infant monkeys with two types of surrogate mothers: one made of wire that provided food, and another covered with soft cloth but without food.
4. Analyze the monkeys' behavior to see which surrogate they preferred, noting that they spent more time with the soft cloth mother, indicating the importance of comfort.
5. Conclude that Harlow's findings highlight 'contact comfort' as a crucial factor in early development and attachment, rather than just operant conditioning, nutritional needs, or genetic inheritance.