Harlow did an experiment with infant rhesus monkeys, requiring them to make a choice between an imitation mother that provided contact comfort or one that provided food. The results demonstrate that for this species:
A) food is the most important reinforcement
B) food is used as a method for tension reduction in the young
C) tactile comfort is more important than food, particularly during stress
D) infants were distressed because the "mother" providing contact comfort did not also supply food

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Harlow's experiment demonstrated that for infant rhesus monkeys, tactile comfort was more important than food, particularly during stress. The monkeys consistently preferred the imitation mother that provided contact comfort, even when the other option provided food. This suggests that, for this species, the need for physical contact and touch is more important than the need for food.

Harlow Did an Experiment with Infant Rhesus Monkeys, Requiring Them