Classical Evidence - Watson and Rayner

Question 1

Methodology

Answer 1

> one participant
Not a case study - focused only on Albert’s response to conditioning, no background info
Not an experiment - only one condition, no independent and dependent variable
controlled observation

Question 2

Procedures

Answer 2

> responses recorded with motion picture camera
Emotional tests - Albert confronted with animals (first time seeing these objects), tested with loud sound

Question 3

Conclusions

Answer 3

> Albert maintained a fearful response to furry objects over the time he was studied - learned responses generalise to similar stimuli

Question 4

Evaluation - methodology and procedures (controls)

Answer 4

> Controlled study -
baseline condition where his pre-manipulation behaviour was established (not fearful)
Control condition (blocks) - fear exclusive to furry objects
recorded to be confirmed by others - strengthens liability
no distractions

Question 5

Evaluation Methodology and procedures ( the sample)

Answer 5

> One participant
difficult to generalise ability
hospital life isn’t ‘normal’
In a home for invalid children
Mother works in the hospitial (consent) - might be hard to withdraw A from experiment (loose job?)

Question 6

Evaluating - ethical issues

Answer 6

> creates fear in a young child
effects potentially long lasting
psychological harm
distressing
remove thumb from mouth - observe full effects
did intend to remove the learned condition - Albert suddenly removed from hospital
W&R knew he would continue to be fearful