Chapter 13: Problem 3

The monkeys that Harlow used were initially housed in cages, the bottoms of which were lined with gauze diapers. The initial impetus for Harlow's research came from his observation that the monkeys showed an unusual affinity for the diapers because of their soft texture, so much so that many of the monkeys placed in cages without the diapers died. This finding led Harlow to conclude that the social and emotional development of monkeys might be affected by the presence or absence of contact comfort (Vicedo, 2009). What does this tell you about how researchers get ideas for their research?

Short Answer

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Researchers often get ideas for their research through direct observations and extending these observations into larger hypotheses; just as Harlow did with his research on monkeys by observing their behaviors and formulating the hypothesis about the impact of contact comfort on their social and emotional development.

Step by step solution

Observation

Harlow observed unusual behavior in monkeys; their preference for cages lined with soft-textured gauze diapers. When the monkeys were placed in cages without the diapers, many died. This observation forms the first basis for any research idea.

Hypothesis formation

Harlow speculated that the unusual behavior was not a mere preference but indicative of a larger factor influencing the monkey's survival. This led to the formation of his research hypothesis that the social and emotional development of monkeys might be influenced by the presence or absence of contact comfort.

Understanding the broader implications

The nature of this research hypothesis touches upon the broader implications of contact comfort to the social development of not only monkeys but potentially extending it to other species as well. The process of formulating such a hypothesis from a simple observation underscores how researchers get ideas for their studies.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Observation

Hypothesis formation

Understanding the broader implications

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