Animal Studies - Lorenz

What was the aim of Lorenz's study?

To investigate imprinting in greylag geese.

How did Lorenz divide the eggs in his procedure?

He split 12 goose eggs into two groups.

What happened to the first group of eggs in Lorenz's study?

They hatched naturally with the mother goose.

What happened to the second group of eggs in Lorenz's study?

They hatched in an incubator and Lorenz was the first moving object they saw.

What did Lorenz record during the study?

All behaviour of the goslings.

What did Lorenz find about Group 1 (mother-hatched)?

They followed the mother goose.

What did Lorenz find about Group 2 (incubator-hatched)?

They followed Lorenz.

What did Lorenz conclude about imprinting?

It is permanent and irreversible.

What is imprinting according to Lorenz?

Attachment to the first moving object seen after birth.

What did Lorenz identify as the critical period?

Between 12–17 hours after hatching.

What happens if imprinting does not occur within the critical period?

Chicks do not attach at all.

What ethical issue was raised about separating the eggs?

Possible distress caused by removing eggs from the mother.

What ethical issue is linked to imprinting on Lorenz?

Goslings may miss normal attachment and behaviour with their biological mother.

What is the ethical issue of sexual imprinting?

Goslings may attempt to mate with inappropriate objects later.

Why is generalising Lorenz’s findings to humans difficult?

Birds are very different to humans; humans form more complex attachments.

What research supports Lorenz’s findings on imprinting?

Guiton et al. (1966).

Chickens imprinted on yellow washing up gloves whilst feeding

What did Guiton et al. find?

Chicks imprinted on yellow washing-up gloves when exposed to them for feeding.

Name 2 Limitations

• Ethical Issues with animal study

• Lack of generalisability

Name 1 Strength

Research support

Guiton et al