1
Q
what is imprinting?
A
forming an attachment with the first large, moving object you see
2
Q
what is sexual imprinting
A
mating with objects similar to the primary attachment figure
3
Q
describe the procedure
A
clutch of goose eggs split -> one half naturally birthed, one half in incubator (lorenz first thing they saw)
4
Q
describe the findings
A
the naturally born goslings imprinted on mother, incubator goslings ignored mother completely and imprinted on lorenz
5
Q
how long is the critical period
A
30 hours - after this, they could never imprint
6
Q
what does the study suggest about attachment?
A
- imprinting is evolutionary and instinctive
- must form an attachment before critical period to avoid irreversable damage
7
Q
limitations of study
A
- can’t be generalised to humans
- imprinting is not necessarily irreversable
8
Q
advantages of study
A
- practical applications in childcare settings
- highlights that attachment is instinctive
