Methodology of Watson and Rayner

Question 1

Participant

Answer 1

The participant in the study was an 11-month-old boy named Albert.

Question 2

Stimulus

Answer 2

Albert was presented with various stimuli, including a white rat, a rabbit, a dog, a monkey, masks, and burning newspapers. Initially, Albert showed no fear response to these stimuli.

Question 3

Conditioning

Answer 3

In the conditioning phase, Albert was exposed to the white rat paired with a loud, startling noise (produced by striking a suspended steel bar with a hammer). This was done repeatedly, conditioning Albert to associate the previously neutral stimulus (the rat) with fear.

Question 4

Observations

Answer 4

Watson and Rayner observed Albert’s reactions to the rat and other stimuli before, during, and after the conditioning process. They noted his fear response, including crying, attempting to crawl away, and avoiding the stimulus.

Question 5

Generalization

Answer 5

After conditioning, Albert showed fear not only to the white rat but also to other similar stimuli, such as the rabbit and a fur coat.

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

The study was groundbreaking in demonstrating classical conditioning principles and the formation of emotional responses through associative learning. However, it raised ethical concerns due to its methods and the potential emotional distress caused to the participant, Little Albert.