BEHAVIOURIST Evidence - Watson & Raynor Flashcards
What was the aim of Watson and Rayner’s (1920) study?
To investigate if a neutral stimulus (a rat) could be conditioned to provoke a fear response in a healthy baby boy, demonstrating classical conditioning.
Who was the participant in Watson and Rayner’s (1920) study?
Albert B, a healthy baby boy raised in a hospital environment, chosen for his lack of sensitivity and emotional responses.
What was the methodology used in Watson and Rayner’s (1920) study?
Controlled observation in an artificial environment with a single participant, Albert B.
How was the emotional response of Albert tested in the study?
Albert’s initial response to the rat was observed, and the rat was paired with a loud noise to condition a fear response.
What were the findings of Watson and Rayner’s study?
Albert developed a conditioned fear of the rat, which extended to other stimuli such as rabbits, dogs, and fur coats.
What was Watson’s conclusion about conditioned emotional responses in children?
Watson concluded that conditioned fear responses could persist indefinitely unless removed through methods like gradual exposure or pairing the feared stimulus with positive reinforcement.
How did Watson and Rayner relate their findings to Freudian theory?
Watson disagreed with Freud’s idea that fear arises from sexual feelings, arguing that fear is a separate emotion. He believed that Albert’s fear was not related to sexual issues.
What were some issues with the methodology of Watson and Rayner’s study?
The study lacked ecological validity, as it was conducted in a controlled environment with one participant, Albert. Also, Albert’s fear may have been due to frustration rather than conditioned fear.
What are some ethical concerns regarding the study?
Albert experienced distress and harm, violating ethical guidelines. There was no informed consent, and Albert did not have the right to withdraw from the study.
What alternative evidence challenges Watson and Rayner’s findings?
The theory of biological preparedness suggests that certain stimuli (like rats or loud noises) might trigger fear naturally. Additionally, the Two-Process Theory of phobias suggests that operant conditioning helps maintain phobias after they are conditioned.
How did the findings of Watson and Rayner (1920) contribute to the understanding of phobias?
The study showed that phobias could be learned through classical conditioning, providing insight into how emotional responses to stimuli can be conditioned.
