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Fun with Animal Imprinting: Lorenz's Geese and Harlow's Monkeys!

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Amy Breen

11/23/2025

Psychology

Animal studies of attachment

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Nov 23, 2025

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Fun with Animal Imprinting: Lorenz's Geese and Harlow's Monkeys!

user profile picture

Amy Breen

@amybreen_ikkr

Konrad Lorenz's imprinting experiment and Harry Harlow's monkey study are... Show more

Procedure: .He randomly divided a clutch of goose eggs. .Half were hatched with the mother goose in their natural environment. .The other ha

Animal Studies on Attachment: Lorenz and Harlow

This page summarizes two influential animal studies on attachment: Lorenz's animal study with geese and Harlow's monkey experiment. These studies have significantly shaped our understanding of attachment formation in early development.

Lorenz's Research on Imprinting

Konrad Lorenz conducted a study on geese to investigate the phenomenon of imprinting. His procedure involved dividing a clutch of goose eggs into two groups: one hatched with the mother goose in their natural environment, and the other hatched in an incubator where Lorenz was the first thing they saw.

Definition: Imprinting is an attachment that develops between a young animal and its carer during a critical period.

The findings of Lorenz's study were remarkable:

  • The incubator group followed Lorenz, while the control group followed their mother.
  • This behavior persisted even when the two groups were mixed.
  • The critical period for imprinting was identified as a few hours after hatching.
  • If imprinting didn't occur within this time, the chicks didn't attach to a mother figure.

Highlight: Lorenz discovered that the critical period for imprinting in geese was around a few hours after hatching, emphasizing the importance of early experiences in attachment formation.

Lorenz also observed sexual imprinting, where birds who imprinted on humans later displayed courtship behavior towards humans.

Harlow's Research on Contact Comfort

Harry Harlow's famous experiment with infant monkeys explored the importance of contact comfort in attachment formation. The procedure involved rearing 16 baby monkeys with two wire model mothers:

  • In one condition, milk was dispensed by the metal wire mother.
  • In the second condition, milk was dispensed by the cloth-covered mother.

The findings were groundbreaking:

  • Baby monkeys consistently preferred to cuddle the cloth-covered mother.
  • They sought comfort from the cloth-covered mother when frightened, regardless of which one dispensed milk.

Conclusion: Contact comfort was of more importance to the monkeys than food when it came to attachment behavior.

Harlow's research also revealed long-term effects of maternal deprivation:

  • Monkeys reared with only the metal wire mother were the most dysfunctional.
  • Even monkeys reared with the cloth-covered mother didn't develop normal social behavior, showing more aggression and less sociability.
  • The critical period for attachment formation in monkeys was identified as within the first 90 days of life.

Evaluation of Animal Attachment Studies

Both studies have significant strengths and limitations:

Strengths:

  • Theoretical value: These studies have been influential in developmental psychology.
  • Practical applications: Findings have informed childcare practices and animal welfare in zoos.

Limitations:

  • Ethical concerns: The animals, especially in Harlow's study, suffered as a result of the experiments.
  • Generalizability: Findings from birds and monkeys may not directly apply to human attachment processes.

Example: Social workers now better understand risk factors in child abuse and prevention strategies based on insights from these studies.

In conclusion, while these animal studies have limitations, they have significantly contributed to our understanding of attachment formation and have had lasting impacts on developmental psychology and childcare practices.



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Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

•

592

•

Nov 23, 2025

•

1 page

Fun with Animal Imprinting: Lorenz's Geese and Harlow's Monkeys!

user profile picture

Amy Breen

@amybreen_ikkr

Konrad Lorenz's imprinting experiment and Harry Harlow's monkey study are foundational in attachment theory, revealing crucial insights into early bonding processes in animals with implications for human development. These studies highlight the importance of critical periods, contact comfort, and early... Show more

Procedure: .He randomly divided a clutch of goose eggs. .Half were hatched with the mother goose in their natural environment. .The other ha

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Animal Studies on Attachment: Lorenz and Harlow

This page summarizes two influential animal studies on attachment: Lorenz's animal study with geese and Harlow's monkey experiment. These studies have significantly shaped our understanding of attachment formation in early development.

Lorenz's Research on Imprinting

Konrad Lorenz conducted a study on geese to investigate the phenomenon of imprinting. His procedure involved dividing a clutch of goose eggs into two groups: one hatched with the mother goose in their natural environment, and the other hatched in an incubator where Lorenz was the first thing they saw.

Definition: Imprinting is an attachment that develops between a young animal and its carer during a critical period.

The findings of Lorenz's study were remarkable:

  • The incubator group followed Lorenz, while the control group followed their mother.
  • This behavior persisted even when the two groups were mixed.
  • The critical period for imprinting was identified as a few hours after hatching.
  • If imprinting didn't occur within this time, the chicks didn't attach to a mother figure.

Highlight: Lorenz discovered that the critical period for imprinting in geese was around a few hours after hatching, emphasizing the importance of early experiences in attachment formation.

Lorenz also observed sexual imprinting, where birds who imprinted on humans later displayed courtship behavior towards humans.

Harlow's Research on Contact Comfort

Harry Harlow's famous experiment with infant monkeys explored the importance of contact comfort in attachment formation. The procedure involved rearing 16 baby monkeys with two wire model mothers:

  • In one condition, milk was dispensed by the metal wire mother.
  • In the second condition, milk was dispensed by the cloth-covered mother.

The findings were groundbreaking:

  • Baby monkeys consistently preferred to cuddle the cloth-covered mother.
  • They sought comfort from the cloth-covered mother when frightened, regardless of which one dispensed milk.

Conclusion: Contact comfort was of more importance to the monkeys than food when it came to attachment behavior.

Harlow's research also revealed long-term effects of maternal deprivation:

  • Monkeys reared with only the metal wire mother were the most dysfunctional.
  • Even monkeys reared with the cloth-covered mother didn't develop normal social behavior, showing more aggression and less sociability.
  • The critical period for attachment formation in monkeys was identified as within the first 90 days of life.

Evaluation of Animal Attachment Studies

Both studies have significant strengths and limitations:

Strengths:

  • Theoretical value: These studies have been influential in developmental psychology.
  • Practical applications: Findings have informed childcare practices and animal welfare in zoos.

Limitations:

  • Ethical concerns: The animals, especially in Harlow's study, suffered as a result of the experiments.
  • Generalizability: Findings from birds and monkeys may not directly apply to human attachment processes.

Example: Social workers now better understand risk factors in child abuse and prevention strategies based on insights from these studies.

In conclusion, while these animal studies have limitations, they have significantly contributed to our understanding of attachment formation and have had lasting impacts on developmental psychology and childcare practices.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user