John B. Watson and the Little Albert Experiment

Introduction to Classical Conditioning

• Classical conditioning was first experimented by Ivan Pavlov.
• Pavlov's experiment involved a dog:
  • Unconditional stimulus: Produced an unconditional response.
  • Conditioned stimulus: Produced a conditioned response.

Watson's Extension: The Little Albert Experiment

• Conducted in the 1920s, a pivotal study in psychology.
• Aim: To determine if conditioning in humans was possible like it was in Pavlov's dogs.

Background on Little Albert

• Albert was a baby used in Watson's experiment.
• Born to a nurse at Harriet Lane Home for invalid children.
• Albert developed normally in a hospital environment and was stable.

The Experiment

• Initial Reaction Tests:
  • Albert interacted with objects without fear:
    • Fire
    • Monkey
    • Dog
    • Rabbit
    • White rat (particularly liked)
• Conditioning Process:
  • When Albert reached for the white rat, a loud noise was made (bar struck).
  • Albert initially startled but didn’t cry; upon repetition, he cried.
  • Watson successfully conditioned a fear response.

Generalization

• After conditioning:
  • Albert showed fear towards objects similar to the white rat:
    • Rabbit
    • Dog
    • Seal fur coat
    • Santa Claus mask
  • This fear response extension is known as generalization.

Testing in Different Settings

• Moved from a dark room to a larger room.
• Presented with same objects; less fear unless coupled with loud noises.

Long-term Effects

• Albert was taken home and returned one month later.
• Retested with same objects and noise; exhibited strong withdrawal.

Conclusions

• Watson demonstrated that phobias could be conditioned responses.
• The Little Albert study remains crucial in psychology, influencing future research.

Opponent Process Theory

• Related to vision and perception.
• Proposed by Hering with three pairs of colors:
  • Red/green
  • Yellow/blue
  • Black/white
• Emphasizes the complementariness of sensations.

Cultural Impact

• The study inspired many researchers and continues to impact psychological inquiry.
• Reflections and artistic interpretations highlight the significance of vision and sensation.