Watson and Rayner (1920) evaluation Flashcards
describe the classic study of Watson and Rayner?
Watson & Rayner wanted to show that Classical Conditioning would work on a human. They conditioned Baby Albert to be frightened of a white rat.
This was a lab experiment where the IV was the conditioned stimulus and the DV was Baby Albert’s emotional reactions, which were filmed.
Baby Albert was 11 months old when the study started and it lasted a month. Albert was presented with a white rat which became a CS when it was paired with a loud ringing noise (the UCS). When Albert cried at the rat, this was the CR.
Watson & Rayner found that Albert generalized his fear to other white, fluffy things like a rabbit and Watson’s Santa mask. He had the same reactions a month later, although they were a bit less intense
generalizability of W and R:
This EXPERIMENT is low in generalizability.
This is because the experiment was based on one young boy (Albert). This individual sample size means the findings cannot be generalized and therefore decreases population validity also. He was characterized to be emotionally stable and healthy.
Therefore, Albert may behave differently to those being not emotionally stable and to adults in which their behavior’s are very different; these findings will be unique to the boy and so the results cannot be generalized back to the whole population.
reliability of W and R: and CA!!
This EXPERIMENT is high in reliability.
The study is a standardized procedure and the reactions are carefully documented using a video camera.
Therefore there is high control over extraneous variables that could affect the external validity of the results and the study can be replicated, so that you can find consistency within the findings.
CA:
However, it could be suggested that the study is also low in reliability.
This is because the study has never been replicated due to the ethical issues that arise. This includes the no protection from harm - intentionally creating fear within the child - and therefore the study will not be repeated.
application of W and R:
validity of W and R: and CA!!
This EXPERIMENT is low in validity.
This is because no control group can be used, so no comparisons can be made and we cannot ensure the conditioning is what is causing the fear. Similar items or different animals could have been used. The EXPERIMENT also lacks ecological validity because Albert was away from his playroom and familiar nurses - this may have made him nervous and changed his UCR’s.
AND the study also took part in a lab, so findings cannot be generalized to other settings outside the laboratory.
Therefore the experiment taking place (like deliberately hitting a metal bar) does not reflect everyday life.
CA:
However, the EXPERIMENT could be argued that it has high validity.
This is because there is high control over extraneous variables. For example, the researchers hid behind the curtains to prevent being associated.
Therefore, this increases the accuracy of data, so the conclusions gained were also more accurate.
ethics of W and R:
The EXPERIMENT is clearly unethical.
This is because Watson and Rayner intentionally cause distress to an infant and continued, despite his upset. Little Albert also left the experiment earlier.
Therefore, Watson and Rayner did not have time to decondition him and so was not returned to his original state after the experiment.
Therefore, they are ignoring the principle of reducing harm.
CA:
However, Albert’s mother did give consent for him as she received $1; this is called valid presumptive consent and she was also able to withdraw Albert at any time which follows the principle regarding the ability to withdraw.
name two ways the researchers helped control the extraneous variables:
- they hid behind the curtain to prevent becoming associated.
- Albert played with blocks and the room was changed.
give a conclusion for the experiment:
Watson & Rayner’s study probably needs to be repeated because it turned out Albert died from hydrocephalus when he was 6. Albert might have been unwell at the time of the study, which would add to his distress and make him unrepresentative.
