Watson & Rayner (1928): The Little Albert Study

Background

• Conducted by John B. Watson, showcasing Behaviorism.
• Aim: To demonstrate that emotions are learned, not innate.
• Experiment to create a phobia in a 9-month-old baby (Little Albert).

Significance

• Demonstrates scientific research methods, replication.
• Highlights features of the Learning Approach: emotion as measurable behavior (crying, etc.).
• Uses experimental controls to isolate variables.
• Shows Classical Conditioning's importance in human behavior.
• Raises ethical concerns about human experimentation.

Classical Conditioning & Phobias

• Contrasts Freud's view of phobias as unconscious defenses.
• Watson’s view: Phobias are learned through environmental stimuli.
• Applies animal Classical Conditioning research to humans.

Study Design (APRC)

Aim

• Test if Classical Conditioning can induce a fear response in a baby.
• Investigate generalization of fear response to other stimuli.

Variables

• IVs: Before vs. after conditioning; presentation of white rat vs. other stimuli.
• DV: Fearful behaviors shown by Albert.

Sample

• One baby (Albert), healthy, selected for emotional stability.
• Opportunity sample; Albert's mother was compensated.

Procedure

• At 9 months, tested Albert’s reactions to various stimuli (neutral to fear).
• Loud noise (UCS) elicited crying (UCR).
• At 11 months, Albert conditioned: white rat (neutral) paired with loud noise.
• Result: Rat became a CS, crying a CR.

Results

• Albert cried at the rat alone, indicating successful conditioning.
• Generalization: Fear response to other white, furry objects.
• Transference: Same reactions in different settings.
• Long-lasting effects observed after a month.

Conclusions

• Successful conditioning of fear in Albert, generalized to similar stimuli.
• Watson suggested conditioned fears could last a lifetime.
• Watson’s quote on environmental shaping of infants.

Post-Study Developments

Albert's Identity

• Hall Beck identified Albert as Douglas Meritte; died at age 6.
• Ethical considerations of revealing identity debated.
• Alternative theories suggest Albert was William Albert Barger.

John B. Watson

• Affair with research partner led to career end in psychology.
• Transitioned to advertising.

Evaluation (GRAVE)

Generalisability

• Single participant limits representativeness.
• Albert selected for normalcy, but health speculations (hydrocephalus).

Reliability

• High due to standardization and documentation.
• Filming allows inter-rater reliability.

Application

• Influenced techniques like Flooding and Systematic Desensitisation.
• Offers insights into personal habits and conditioning.

Validity

• Controlled experiment, but lacks ecological validity.
• Watson ensured no pre-existing fears.

Ethics

• Ethical concerns due to distress caused and unremoved conditioned fear.
• Debate over harm level and informed consent from Albert’s mother.

Exemplar Essay Summary

• Description: Overview of Watson & Rayner’s experiment and findings.
• Evaluation: Discussion on reliability, ethics, and possible natural recovery of Albert.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of Watson & Rayner's study, discussing its background, methodology, outcomes, and ethical considerations, while also evaluating its impact and applications in psychology.