Watson & Rayner (1928) - The Classic Study: Little Albert

Introduction

• Conducted by John B. Watson
• Goal: Demonstrate scientific status of psychology and principles of Behaviorism
• Aim to show emotions are learned, not innate
• Study aimed to create a phobia in a 9-month-old baby, "Albert"

Significance

• Showcases scientific research methodology
• Highlights features of the Learning Approach
• Demonstrates power of the experimental method
• Raises ethical concerns about experiments on humans

Classical Conditioning & Phobias

• Contrasts with Freud's view of phobias as defense mechanisms
• Watson believed phobias come from environmental conditioning
• Applied principles of classical conditioning to human behavior
• Emphasizes observable behavior over unconscious mind

Study Details: APRC

Aim

• Test if classical conditioning works on humans
• Condition a fear response in a 9-month-old
• Observe generalization and duration of conditioned fear

Variables

• IV: Pre-conditioning vs. post-conditioning; presentation of white rat vs. other stimuli
• DV: Fearful behaviors exhibited by Albert

Sample

• Single participant: Albert B, 9 months at onset
• Selected for being emotionally stable and fearless

Procedure

• Tested Albert with neutral stimuli (white rat, rabbit) and unconditioned stimuli (loud noise)
• Conditioning involved pairing rat with loud noise
• Observed reactions over time and settings

Results

• Albert exhibited conditioned fear response to rat
• Generalization observed to other white, furry objects
• Transferral of fear to different environments
• Conditioning effects lasted over a month

Conclusion

• Conditioning of fear response was successful
• Fear generalized to other similar stimuli and settings
• Proposed lasting impact of conditioned responses

Aftermath

Albert's Identity

• Identified as Douglas Meritte, died at 6
• Debate over true identity, alternative theory: William Albert Barger

John B. Watson

• Affair with Rosalie Rayner, led to career end in academia
• Transitioned to advertising field

Evaluation of the Study (GRAVE)

Generalisability

• Sample size of one limits generalisability
• Albert's health status questioned, affecting normalcy

Reliability

• Highly reliable due to standardised procedures and documentation
• Filmed responses allow inter-rater reliability

Application

• Influenced techniques like Flooding and Systematic Desensitisation
• Implications for understanding and altering conditioned responses

Validity

• Controlled environment, but lacks ecological validity
• Aligns with Classical Conditioning theory

Ethics

• Unethical by today's standards: caused distress, didn't remove phobia
• Consent obtained, but long-term harm unresolved

Exemplar Essay

• Description: Overview of study and findings
• Evaluation: Addresses reliability and ethical concerns
• Conclusion: Calls for reconsideration due to Albert's health concerns

Key Takeaways

• Watson & Rayner's study illustrates principles of behaviorism and classical conditioning
• Raises important ethical considerations for psychological research
• Contributed to the development of therapeutic techniques for phobias