Question

What can we learn from Harry and Margaret Harlow's rhesus monkey studies?

a) Emotional damage due to long-term social isolation can be healed with subsequent nurturing.
b) Long-term and short-term social isolation have similar effects.
c) Long-term social isolation early in life can cause irreversible damage.
d) All emotional damage due to social isolation goes away on its own with time.

Answer 1

In their rhesus monkey studies, Harry and Margaret Harlow made important discoveries about the effects of social isolation. One of the key findings was that long-term social isolation early in life can cause irreversible damage (option c).

Long-term isolation in rhesus monkeys led to social and emotional difficulties, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships for healthy development. Short-term isolation can have similar effects, but partial healing can be achieved through companionship.