A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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What was Lorenz’s contribution to the study of attachment?

He focused on emotional bonding in human infants.
He studied the imprinting behavior of ducks and geese.
He analyzed the effects of separation on attachment.
He conducted research on parental influences in adolescents.

The correct answer is: He studied the imprinting behavior of ducks and geese.

Lorenz's contribution to the study of attachment is primarily linked to his research on imprinting, particularly his observations of ducks and geese. He discovered that these young birds would follow the first moving object they encountered after hatching, which was often him or a surrogate model. This process, known as imprinting, illustrates a critical period shortly after birth when certain animals form attachments. Lorenz's work laid foundational insights into the concept of attachment in animals, demonstrating that there are innate behaviors that facilitate bonding and survival. His focus on imprinting showed how early experiences can shape social and emotional connections, contributing significantly to our understanding of how attachment behaviors can develop and underpin the theory of sensitive periods in attachment, which later informed human attachment studies.