What was the primary focus of Harry and Margaret Harlow's experiments?

Harry and Margaret Harlow's experiments primarily investigated attachment behavior in rhesus monkeys, focusing on how these animals formed bonds and the importance of contact comfort. Their most famous studies involved the use of surrogate mothers made from wire and soft cloth, demonstrating that infant monkeys preferred to cling to soft, comforting figures rather than those that provided food. This indicated the significant role of emotional and physical comfort in the development of attachment. The findings highlighted the emotional needs of young primates and laid the groundwork for our understanding of attachment theory, particularly in the context of human development. This focus fundamentally shifted how psychologists viewed relationships and bonding in both animals and humans.