Applying Harry Harlow's Adaption Theory

Harry Harlow conducted the concept for the adaption theory by using evidence of how infant monkeys reacting to two mothers. The infant monkeys were to experience the science of love, where there were two types of “surrogate” mothers created by Harlow. He first separated the baby monkeys from their mothers in the first couple months of birth and designed two new mothers for the monkeys. One other was made from bare wire but it was equipped with dispense milk and the other mother was covered in soft cloth who provides them with comfort and security. Harlow tested the infant monkey’s reactions, and given a choice, the monkeys displayed different behavioral patterns between both mothers. When the young monkey was placed in an unfamiliar room, the monkey wasn't able to seek comfort when Harlow placed the wired mother in the room, but the monkey respond the complete opposite towards the cloth mother, the monkey was less fearful. Therefore, the importance of a mother that gives both comfort and nourishments can affect a child’s later life. The result led scientists believe humans need closeness and
Stress can be develop and set up early in life due to stable relationship and bond between the mother and the offspring. I found it fascinating how Tom Boyce mentioned about “dandelion children” vs. “orchid children.” Dandelion children are able to resilient to succeed in any types of environment; whereas orchid children have a hard time to adapt to a new environment they are placed. Overall, this documentation displays a great view on children and their childhood development. How important it is to be raised with proper malnutrition and a calming environment. Although genes are not 100% built up who we are, our surroundings tend to be responsible for a large amount of social behaviour as we grow