Question

In the U.S. orphanage experiment, a control group of babies stayed in the orphanage where human interaction was minimal. The second group of babies was moved to an institution for women with low IQs who showered them with love and attention. The experiment started when the babies were about 19 months old. Two an one-half years later both groups were given IQ tests. What was the outcome of the experiment?

A. the second group gained IQ points due to the interactions with the women regardless of their IQ
B. both groups lost IQ points because all the babies were still in institutions
C. the control group gained IQ points because they were not raised by the women with low IQs
D. Neither group showed a change in IQ showing that human contact does not affect IQ

Answer 1

The second group of babies likely gained IQ points from the increased human interaction provided by the women at the institution, based on extrapolation from similar research in early childhood development such as the Harlows' work with rhesus monkeys.

Step-by-step explanation:

The outcome of the US orphanage experiment you're referring to is not specifically documented in available research; however, based on a variety of studies on early childhood development, we can infer that group two likely gained IQ points due to increased human interaction, support, and attention provided by the women at the institution, regardless of their IQ levels. This inference is built upon the foundational work of researchers like Harry and Margaret Harlow and their rhesus monkeys experiments. These experiments conclusively showed that social comfort and emotional security are crucial for healthy psychological development, far outweighing the mere provision of sustenance.

Additionally, research by psychologists such as Betty Hart and Todd Risley supports the premise that children's early language development and cognitive growth are heavily influenced by the quantity and quality of interaction they have with their caregivers. The Harlows' research showed that attachment and the comforting touch of a caregiver hold significant weight in the emotional and social development of an infant.