Watson And Rayner 1920

Question 1

Methodology

Answer 1

Controlled observation
Included one participant - Little Albert
Conducted in controlled conditions - well lit dark room

Question 2

Procedures

Answer 2

Emotional tests with white rat, rabbit, dog, cotton wool etc
6 sessions to condition an emotional response in him

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

Emotional tests - Albert showed no fear before conditioning
But cried when the bar was struck behind his head
Over time he avoided the furry objects and cried

Question 4

Conclusions

Answer 4

A fear response can be created easily with two joint stimulations

Learned conditioned responses generalised to similar stimuli - he became afraid of furry objects over time

Question 5

Freudian position

Answer 5

Albert sucks his thumb when scared - sexual simulation but W a R believed it was pleasure seeking

W a R believe that fear could be conditioned by the experience with a mothers pubic hair rather than mistaken Freudian position

Question 6

Evaluation - methodology and procedures

Answer 6

Controlled study - lab experiment to control extraneous variables
Control condition - wooden blocks
Films - record Albert’s behaviour so can be confirmed by others

Question 7

The sample evaluations

Answer 7

Conclusions can only be based on this one individual Albert
It is difficult to know whether the observed responses are unique to this individual or not
Can not be generalised to others

Question 8

Learning is not the only explanation of phobias

Answer 8

Research suggest by Di Nardo et al that phobias can come from traumatic experiences such as being bitten by a dog and through learning

Question 9

Ethical issues fear

Answer 9

Watson and Rayner created fear in Little Albert making him feel distressed and disturbed
Psychologist believe that no ppt should experience anything more distressing that in everyday life

Question 10

Ethical issues psychological harm

Answer 10

Because they created a fear in Little Albert there was a risk of harm to him. He was frightened and sucked his thumb (calming)
They removed his thumb to make sure he was fully scared

Question 11

Lasting effects

Answer 11

Little Albert would continue to be fearful of fury objects

Question 12

Ethical issues - psychological harm

Answer 12

There was a risk of harm when creating a fear in the child which may cause problems later in life