PSYC23H3 Lecture 6: PSYC23 Lec 6-7
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But not a single regulator of fear & exploration. Specific physiological responses that are regulated by specific features of the parent-infant interaction. Possibly learning to associate each of those specific features to a physiological response. Provision of milk reduce hr decline: approach and engage another individual. Identify this individual through sensory cues based on memory. Prefers to be with that individual and is distressed during separation. Sounds reasonable, but it doesn"t always work this way: harry harlow, for example, studied infant monkeys raised with a surrogate mother made of chicken wire, cloth, and plastic. In one of harlow"s studies, researchers blasted air from the surrogate mother"s torso as an infant held on. The monkeys didn"t let go; they held on harder. Sullivan et al showed that during early development, young rat pups are attracted to the stimulus they have been taught to avoid. Evolution appears to favor attachment by the infant, regardless of the quality of care.