Final answer:
George Gallup's study showed that great apes have the capacity for self-awareness as evidenced by their ability to use mirrors to inspect themselves, but those raised in isolation lacked this ability, underscoring the importance of social interactions in developing self-awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study conducted by George Gallup that examined self-awareness in non-human animals specifically targeted great apes. In this research, Gallup used the mirror test to assess self-recognition, a hallmark of self-awareness. The results indicated that great apes, such as chimpanzees, could learn to use mirrors to inspect themselves, suggesting a level of self-awareness. However, the study also noted that apes raised in isolation did not pass the mirror test, implying that social interactions are crucial for the development of self-awareness in great apes.
The implications of this study are profound, as they highlight the role of socialization in cognitive development. This aligns with prior research, such as the Harlows' work with rhesus monkeys, showing the importance of social contact and comfort over mere sustenance. Furthermore, it resonates with other studies in primatology, demonstrating that observational learning and social behaviors can influence actions and cultural transmission among nonhuman primates.