WATSON AND RAYNER (LITTLE ALBERT) 1920

Question 1

What was the aim of Watson & Rayner’s study?

Answer 1

• To investigate whether phobias could be learned via classical conditioning.
• To investigate whether phobias could generalise to similar objects

Question 2

Methodology- Watson & Rayner?

Answer 2

• Case study
• Controlled experiement (in a lab setting)

Question 3

When did Watson and Rayner conduct their case study?

Answer 3

• 1920

Question 4

Can you describe Watson & Rayner’s sample?

Answer 4

• Little Albert
• 9 months
• Healthy/normal

Question 5

Can you summarise the procedure of Watson & Rayner’s study?

Answer 5

1. Before conditioning
2. During conditioning
3. After conditioning

Question 6

Describe the procedure- before conditioning?

Answer 6

• Albert was show different stimuli (white rat/rabbit) -provoked a neutral response.
• The white rat was chosen as the neutral stimulus.

Question 7

What different objects and animals was Albert shown?

Answer 7

• White rat
• Bunny Rabbit
• Masks with/without hair
• Dogs

Question 8

Describe stage 2- During conditiong phase

Answer 8

• The experimenters struck a metal bar above Albert’s head (unconditioned stimuli) which caused him to cry (unconditioned fear response).
• Albert was show the white rat, which was paired with the loud noise multiple times.
• Albert began associating the rat with fear.

Question 9

Describe stage 3- After conditioning?

Answer 9

• The white rat (conditioned stimulus) alone caused Albert to show fear (conditioned response-crying, crawling away)
• Fear generalised to other stimilar objects (rabbits, fur coat, santa mask)

Question 10

Results and conclusions- Watson & Rayner?

Answer 10

• Albert developed a phobia. So, phobias can be learned through classical conditioning.
• Phobias can generalise to similar objects.

Conclusion- phobias can be learned through classical condition, not just inherited.

Question 11

Strength- Watson and Rayner?

Answer 11

• Scientific & controlled: Conducted in a lab= controlled experiement. Controls= Ensured Albert wasn’t afraid of the ratbefore conditioning/ Loud noise was always the same.
  ====replicable

Question 12

Weaknesses- Watson & Rayner?

Answer 12

• Low generalisability: 1 ppts= results may not be applicable to all. Some babies may be more fearful than others, so Alberts reaction may not be representative.