What did the Harlow experiment conclude?

The Harlow experiment, conducted by psychologist Harry Harlow in the 1950s, concluded that attachment and emotional bonds between infants and caregivers are primarily driven by comfort and security rather than just the provision of basic needs like food. In the experiment, baby monkeys preferred to cling to a soft, cloth-covered surrogate mother over a wire mother that provided food, highlighting the importance of nurturing and affection in development. This work emphasized the significance of emotional support in early relationships, shaping our understanding of attachment theory.