His grades were so bad that after one semester he switched to the study of psychology.
While at Stanford, Harlow studied with psychologist Lewis Terman, who helped develop the Stanford-Binetintelligence test.
In 1930, Harlow earned his Ph.D. in psychology.
Wikimedia Commons / Aiwok (CC 3.0)
He later changed his last name from Israel to Harlow.
The infant monkeys were instead raised by surrogate wire monkey mothers.
On the other hand, the monkeys would only choose the wire mother when she provided food.
Later experiments looked at social isolation by raising rhesus monkeys either in total or partial isolation.
Influence on Psychology
Harlow’s experiments were shocking and controversial.
Most would be considered unethical by today’s standards.
However, his research played an important role in shaping our understanding of child development.
Many experts at the time also believed that feeding was the primary force between the mother-and-child bonds.
Selected Publications
Recommended Reading
Harlow HF.The nature of love.American Psychologist.
Association for Psychological Science.Harlows classic studies revealed the importance of maternal contact.
doi:10.1177/0957154X19898997
Blum D.Love at Goon Park.
New York: Perseus Publishing; 2002.
