Watson and Raynor Flashcards
What is aim of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
To demonstrate that simple emotional responses such as fear can be acquired through a process of CC
Who was the ppt in Wastson and Rayner’s study?
9 month old Little Albert
What was the dependent variable in Wastson and Rayner’s study?
Albert’s response
What was the independent varibale in Wastson and Rayner’s study?
- presence/ absence of a loud noise (US)
- the sight of the rat (NS)
How was the noise made in Wastson and Rayner’s study?
Striking a hammer upon a suspended steel bar
What happened in session 1 of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
When Albert was 11 months and 3 days old he was taken to a lab. A white rat was presented to him. When reached towards the rat, the bar was struck loudly behind his head.
What happened in session 2 of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
A week later Albert returned again. He was exposed five times to the paired rat plus loud noise. From this point he was tested with the blocks, to which he showed no fear. This is key in showing that he wasnt just scared in general
What happened in session 3 of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
A further 5 days later Albert returned and his responses to the rat and a range of other objects were assessed. The other objects included wooden blocks, a rabbit, a dog, a seal fur coat, cotton wool and Watson’s hair
What happened in session 4 of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
5 days later after that Albert was taken to a new environment- a lecture room with 4 people present. He was placed on a table and once again assessed for responses to the various objects
What happened in session 5 of Wastson and Rayner’s study?
Albert was tested again one month later, where he was 12 months and 21 days old. The final test involved Santa Claus mask, fur coat, the rat, the rabbit, the dog and blocks
What were the results in session 1 of Watson and Rayner’s study?
He reacted to the noise by crying
What were the results in session 2 of Watson and Rayner’s study?
By session 2 he was more cautious towards the rat, not reaching out and pulling away when the rat nuzzled him. After further conditioning he began to cry and tried to rapidly crawl away
What were the results in session 3 of Watson and Rayner’s study?
Ablert reacted to white furry objects with fear. He displayed mild fear towards the dog and none to the other objects
What were the results in session 4 and 5 of Watson and Rayner’s study?
Revealed that Albert’s fear reactions to white furry objects remained but became less extreme when he was in a different environment and after time
