Difference between revisions of "Imprinting (psychology)" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | '''Imprinting''' is used in [[psychology]] and [[ethology]] to describe any kind of learning that occurrs at a particular age or stage of devlopement. Imprinting is a phase-sensitive type of learning that usually involves an organism recognizing the characteristics of certain stimuli that are subsequently "imprinted" onto the subject. Imprinting is an intriguing combination of both innate and environmental influences that affect | + | '''Imprinting''' is used in [[psychology]] and [[ethology]] to describe any kind of learning that occurrs at a particular age or stage of devlopement. Imprinting is a phase-sensitive type of learning that usually involves an organism recognizing the characteristics of certain stimuli that are subsequently "imprinted" onto the subject. Imprinting is an intriguing combination of both innate and environmental influences that shape and affect behavior. |
| − | == | + | ==Outline of the Theory== |
| − | A widely researched form of imprinting is known as filial imprinting. Filial imprinting occurs when a young animal recognizes the characteristics of its parent. It is most obvious in nidifugous birds, who imprint on their parents. | + | A widely researched form of imprinting is known as filial imprinting. Filial imprinting occurs when a young animal recognizes the characteristics of its parent. It is most obvious in nidifugous birds and reptiles, who imprint on their parents. |
| − | + | Filial imprinting was first reported in domestic chickens, by the 19th century amateur biologist Douglas Spalding. It was rediscovered by the early ethologist Oskar Heinroth, and studied scientifically and popularized by his disciple [[Konrad Lorenz]] working with greylag geese. Lorenz demonstrated how incubator-hatched geese would imprint on the first suitable moving stimulus they saw within what he called a "critical period" of about 36 hours shortly after hatching. Being present with the goslings during their hatching, Lorenz found that the goslings would imprint on himself. As a result of this he is often depicted being followed by a gaggle of geese who had imprinted on him. | |
| − | + | The Italian hang-glider pilot [[Angelo d'Arrigo]] manipulated Lorenz's technique to re-introduce endangered species. D'Arrigo noted that the flight of a non-motorised hang-glider is very similar to the flight patterns of migratory birds seeing as both use updrafts of thermal currents to gain altitude, permitting soaring flight over long distances. Birds hatched in captivity have no mentor birds to teach them their traditional migratory routes. The chicks hatched under the wing of his glider, and imprinted on him. Subsequently, he taught the fledglings to fly and to hunt. The young birds followed him not only on the ground (as with Lorenz) but also in the air as he took the path of various migratory routes. He flew across the [[Sahara]] and over the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to [[Sicily]] with [[eagle]]s, from [[Siberia]] to [[Iran]] with a flock of Siberian cranes, and over [[Everest]] with Nepalese eagles. In 2006, he worked with a condor in South America. | |
| − | + | In project similar to d'Arrigo's efforts, orphaned Canadian Geese were trained to their normal migration route by the Canadian ultralight enthusiast Bill Lishman, as shown in the fact-based movie drama ''Fly Away Home''. | |
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== Sexual imprinting == | == Sexual imprinting == | ||
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'''Sexual imprinting''' is the process by which a young animal learns the characteristics of a desirable mate. For example, male [[zebra finch]]es appear to prefer mates with the appearance of the female bird that rears them, rather than mates of their own type (Immelmann, 1972). | '''Sexual imprinting''' is the process by which a young animal learns the characteristics of a desirable mate. For example, male [[zebra finch]]es appear to prefer mates with the appearance of the female bird that rears them, rather than mates of their own type (Immelmann, 1972). | ||
| − | == Westermarck effect == | + | === Westermarck effect === |
''Reverse'' sexual imprinting is also observed when two people live in close domestic proximity during the first few years of their lives become desensitized to sexual attraction and bonding later on. This phenomenon, known as the '''Westermarck effect''', was discovered by anthropologist [[Edvard Westermarck]]. The Westermarck effect has since been observed in many places and cultures, including in the [[Israel]]i [[kibbutz]] system, and the Shim-pua marriage customs of Taiwan, as well as in biological-related families. | ''Reverse'' sexual imprinting is also observed when two people live in close domestic proximity during the first few years of their lives become desensitized to sexual attraction and bonding later on. This phenomenon, known as the '''Westermarck effect''', was discovered by anthropologist [[Edvard Westermarck]]. The Westermarck effect has since been observed in many places and cultures, including in the [[Israel]]i [[kibbutz]] system, and the Shim-pua marriage customs of Taiwan, as well as in biological-related families. | ||
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== Evidence of Imprinting in Neuroscience== | == Evidence of Imprinting in Neuroscience== | ||
| − | In 1985, G. Horn found that a possible structure | + | In 1985, G. Horn found that a possible structure associated with imprinting was located on either side of the brain in the hyperstratium ventrale (IMHV). By removing the chicks' IMHV, Horn was able to demonstrate that the chicks no longer displayed imprinting tendencies. The hyperstratium ventrale is a part of the dorsal ventrical ridge (DVR) a common brain structure found in both reptiles and birds. The dorsal ventrical ridge also includes a wulst which operates similar to mammals' memory mechanisms. |
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==Recent Research== | ==Recent Research== | ||
| − | Recent research contends that the tradition of Lorenz's imprinting may be somewhat incomplete. Studying the birds in their natural environment, it is argued that Lorenz lacked the objectivity that can be facilitated in a laboratory. The experimental approach of modern reseach has allowed for understanding of the | + | Recent research contends that the tradition of Lorenz's imprinting may be somewhat incomplete. Studying the birds in their natural environment, it is argued that Lorenz lacked the objectivity that can be facilitated in a laboratory. The experimental approach of modern reseach has allowed for understanding of the specific learning processes that ultimately contribute to the behavior of imprinting. |
| − | With more controlled environments, scientists now | + | With more controlled environments, scientists now claim that imprinting isn't as rapid as previously thought and that it may be a progressive process that relies on the release of endorphins in the brain. It is suggested that imprinting can't be reversed and that there isn't any narrow critical period for imprinting. In 1996, Howard S. Hoffman discovered that imprinting occurs in various species and the specific learning components are more vital than previously thought. |
| + | ==Legacy== | ||
| + | Behavioral imprinting is an intriguing phenomena as it is the product of both genetic and environmental influences. It seems evident that an infant of any animal kingdom should possess the ability to ensure their survival. Imprinting is an essential bond between the parent and their newborn as it enables them to learn necessary skills and to secure their well-being during a potentially dangerous event. Imprinting is most obvious in nidifugous birds and reptiles; however, filial imprinting can also occur in mammals. In the study of child development, the term refers to the process by which a baby learns to distinguish who its mother and father are. The process begins in the womb, when an unborn baby starts to recognize its parent's voices and continues as there is a strong parent-child bond that deepens through lengthier, more complex processes. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:44, 25 August 2006
Imprinting is used in psychology and ethology to describe any kind of learning that occurrs at a particular age or stage of devlopement. Imprinting is a phase-sensitive type of learning that usually involves an organism recognizing the characteristics of certain stimuli that are subsequently "imprinted" onto the subject. Imprinting is an intriguing combination of both innate and environmental influences that shape and affect behavior.
Outline of the Theory
A widely researched form of imprinting is known as filial imprinting. Filial imprinting occurs when a young animal recognizes the characteristics of its parent. It is most obvious in nidifugous birds and reptiles, who imprint on their parents.
Filial imprinting was first reported in domestic chickens, by the 19th century amateur biologist Douglas Spalding. It was rediscovered by the early ethologist Oskar Heinroth, and studied scientifically and popularized by his disciple Konrad Lorenz working with greylag geese. Lorenz demonstrated how incubator-hatched geese would imprint on the first suitable moving stimulus they saw within what he called a "critical period" of about 36 hours shortly after hatching. Being present with the goslings during their hatching, Lorenz found that the goslings would imprint on himself. As a result of this he is often depicted being followed by a gaggle of geese who had imprinted on him.
The Italian hang-glider pilot Angelo d'Arrigo manipulated Lorenz's technique to re-introduce endangered species. D'Arrigo noted that the flight of a non-motorised hang-glider is very similar to the flight patterns of migratory birds seeing as both use updrafts of thermal currents to gain altitude, permitting soaring flight over long distances. Birds hatched in captivity have no mentor birds to teach them their traditional migratory routes. The chicks hatched under the wing of his glider, and imprinted on him. Subsequently, he taught the fledglings to fly and to hunt. The young birds followed him not only on the ground (as with Lorenz) but also in the air as he took the path of various migratory routes. He flew across the Sahara and over the Mediterranean Sea to Sicily with eagles, from Siberia to Iran with a flock of Siberian cranes, and over Everest with Nepalese eagles. In 2006, he worked with a condor in South America.
In project similar to d'Arrigo's efforts, orphaned Canadian Geese were trained to their normal migration route by the Canadian ultralight enthusiast Bill Lishman, as shown in the fact-based movie drama Fly Away Home.
Sexual imprinting
Sexual imprinting is the process by which a young animal learns the characteristics of a desirable mate. For example, male zebra finches appear to prefer mates with the appearance of the female bird that rears them, rather than mates of their own type (Immelmann, 1972).
Westermarck effect
Reverse sexual imprinting is also observed when two people live in close domestic proximity during the first few years of their lives become desensitized to sexual attraction and bonding later on. This phenomenon, known as the Westermarck effect, was discovered by anthropologist Edvard Westermarck. The Westermarck effect has since been observed in many places and cultures, including in the Israeli kibbutz system, and the Shim-pua marriage customs of Taiwan, as well as in biological-related families.
When this does not occur, for example where a brother and sister are brought up not knowing about one another, they may find one another highly sexually attractive when they meet as adults— a phenomenon known as genetic sexual attraction. This observation is consistent with the theory that the Westermarck effect evolved to suppress inbreeding.
Evidence of Imprinting in Neuroscience
In 1985, G. Horn found that a possible structure associated with imprinting was located on either side of the brain in the hyperstratium ventrale (IMHV). By removing the chicks' IMHV, Horn was able to demonstrate that the chicks no longer displayed imprinting tendencies. The hyperstratium ventrale is a part of the dorsal ventrical ridge (DVR) a common brain structure found in both reptiles and birds. The dorsal ventrical ridge also includes a wulst which operates similar to mammals' memory mechanisms.
Recent Research
Recent research contends that the tradition of Lorenz's imprinting may be somewhat incomplete. Studying the birds in their natural environment, it is argued that Lorenz lacked the objectivity that can be facilitated in a laboratory. The experimental approach of modern reseach has allowed for understanding of the specific learning processes that ultimately contribute to the behavior of imprinting.
With more controlled environments, scientists now claim that imprinting isn't as rapid as previously thought and that it may be a progressive process that relies on the release of endorphins in the brain. It is suggested that imprinting can't be reversed and that there isn't any narrow critical period for imprinting. In 1996, Howard S. Hoffman discovered that imprinting occurs in various species and the specific learning components are more vital than previously thought.
Legacy
Behavioral imprinting is an intriguing phenomena as it is the product of both genetic and environmental influences. It seems evident that an infant of any animal kingdom should possess the ability to ensure their survival. Imprinting is an essential bond between the parent and their newborn as it enables them to learn necessary skills and to secure their well-being during a potentially dangerous event. Imprinting is most obvious in nidifugous birds and reptiles; however, filial imprinting can also occur in mammals. In the study of child development, the term refers to the process by which a baby learns to distinguish who its mother and father are. The process begins in the womb, when an unborn baby starts to recognize its parent's voices and continues as there is a strong parent-child bond that deepens through lengthier, more complex processes.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Westermarck, E. A. The history of human marriage, 5th edn. London: Macmillan, 1921.
- Immelmann, K. (1972) Sexual and other long-term aspects of imprinting in birds and other species. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 4, 147–174.
External links
- Cardoso, SH and Sabbatini, RME. Learning who is your mother. The behavior of imprinting. Brain & Mind Magazine.
- Nancy T. Burley, a researcher into imprinting in zebra finches
- Debra Lieberman, John Tooby and Leda Cosmides. "Does morality have a biological basis? An empirical test of the factors governing moral sentiments relating to incest." Accepted for publication in Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B November 2002. Available online at Citeseer
- Angelo d'Arrigo personal website
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