classic study - wastson and rayner Flashcards
1
Q
what is the aim
A
whether you could condition a fear of an aminal by simultaneously presenting the animal and striking a steel bar to make a loud noise to frighten child
2
Q
what was the method
A
- little albert, health, reared from birth in hospital environment
- introduced to white rate, rabbit, wool ect, showed no fear
- banged a hammer, fear
- waited untill 11 months and retested fears
- white rat presented ad bar struck
- tested if fear was transfered to other objects
- tried to condition the fear of dog and rabbit
3
Q
what were the results
A
- jumped violently, fell forward and started whimpering at 2nd strike
- after few conditionings rat alone caused albert to cry immediately and crawl away
- fear lasted 5 days
- fear was transfered to other objects
- withdrawn from study
4
Q
what were the conclusions
A
a conditioned emotional response can occur in humans after a few pairings and can be transfered to other similar objects
5
Q
what were the strengths
A
+ chosen from a hospital setting to remove any ouside effect, no EVs
+ standardised procedure so reliable
+ helps find treatment for fears and phobias
6
Q
what are the weaknesses
A
- only one baby boy, 18 months old, doesnt represent target population
- lacks ecological validity
- lacks task validity
- ethics, child withdrawn, died, fear not removed
