Question

Harry Harlow conducted a series of experiments with rhesus monkeys. Some of his monkeys would stare vacantly into space, engage in self-mutilation, and follow stereotyped behavior patterns. To which one of the following groups did these monkeys belong?

A. Total isolation (no caretaker or peer bond)
B. Mother-only reared
C. Peer-only reared
D. Partial isolation (can see, hear, and smell other monkeys)
E. Separation (taken from caretaker after developing bond)

Answer 1

Monkeys displaying severe behavioral disruptions were from the total isolation group, showing the importance of social contact in early development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The monkeys that exhibited behaviors such as staring vacantly into space, engaging in self-mutilation, and following stereotyped patterns of behaviors likely belonged to the total isolation group. Harry Harlow's experiments on rhesus monkeys highlighted the critical importance of social contact and emotional comfort in early development. These deprived monkeys demonstrated significant developmental and social challenges, further emphasizing that both social comfort and responsive caregiving are essential for healthy psychosocial development.