Watson and Raynor - 'little albert' study

Question 1

what was the method of the study?

Answer 1

participant was an 11 month old baby called ‘little ‘albert’.
he showed no far of white fluffy objects such as rats or rabbits
the researchers tried to create a conditioned response to these objects
a white rat was placed in front of ‘little albert’
as he reached out for it a metal bar was struck loudly behind his head
this was repeated twice at first then 5 more times a week later

Question 2

what were the results of the study?

Answer 2

when little albert was shown a rat he would start to cry

this also extended to other white fluffy objects such as a santa claus beard

Question 3

what was the conclusion of the study?

Answer 3

a fear response to white fluffy objects had been conditioned in little albert showing that abnormal behaviour can be learned

Question 4

what was the evaluation of the study?

Answer 4

very unethical
not everyone goes on to develop a fear or phobia after a negative situation so learning theory cant be the full explanation
it was a lab study so lacks ecological validity