Classic Evidence: Watson & Raynor (1920) Flashcards
Methodology (Watson & Raynor)
Not a case study; focuses only on Albert’s response, c/s included in depth analysis of individual
+ not experiment; only one condition
Controlled observation.
Procedures (Watson & Raynor)
Emotional tests: test OG response, presented rabbit, dog, etc. & tested sound
Session 1: EST conditioned emotional response- rat presented, reached for it, steel bar struck
Session 2: Test conditioned emotional response- shown rat with no sound then exposed 5 times to joint stimulation.
Session 3: generalisation: - test if link applied to similar objects.
Session 4: Change environment- freshened up then moved
Session 5: effect of time- year later retested
Findings (Watson & Raynor)
Emotional tests: no reaction initially, 1st bar struck = started violently, 2nd = same + lips trembled, 3rd = crying fit.
Session 1: jumped & fell forward, 2nd time fell forward & whimpered
Session 2: cautious with rat, reached out but withdrew, played with blocks normally.
Session 3: rabbit = burst into tears, cotton wool = packaging only
Session 4: less extreme reactions, more joint stimulation = stronger
Session 5: not as extreme, cried & whimpered .
Conclusions
Demonstrates ease a fear response is created.
Such conditioned responses generalise to similar stimuli
Suggests it is probable many phobias originate this way.
Persisting only found it constitutionally inferior individuals.
Evaluation Watson and Raynor methodology 1 (controlled)
P- Controlled study, extraneous variables controlled
E- E.G. dark room, baseline condition of blocks.
E- Will not manipulate results, causal effect can be established
L- More accurate
Evaluation Watson and Raynor methodology 2 (sample)
P- Issues with representativeness of sample
E- 1 participant, calm & even tempered + intended to study more but unable
E- All conclusions drawn from a single case
L- Cannot be generalised to wider as it lacks population validity
Evaluation Watson & Raynor methodology 3 (2 process theory)
P- 2 process theory involved
E- session 2 had to freshen up Albert’s response
E- Classical conditioning cannot explain symptoms persistence as operant needed to maintain
L- Classical conditioning partial explanation for phobias at best.
Evaluation Watson and Raynor ethical 1 (excessive fear)
P- unsure if created excessive fears
E- ‘in order to to disturb Albert no further testes were given’
E- Experiments ethically must not cause any greater stress than everyday life + they removed thumb to ensure heightened fear
L- Ethically inappropriate by modern standards, although contributed to behaviourist psychology massively
Evaluation Watson & Raynor ethical 2 (unable to uncondition)
P- Unable to uncondition as Albert removed from study
E- Should have anticipated and accounted for
E- conditioned fear may persist indefinitely.
L- should have fully informed mother of risks & procedures to prevent later withdrawing, failure to do so unethical.
