Watson & Rayner (1920) Classic Study

Question 1

WATSON & RAYNER: What was the aim?

Answer 1

How principles of classical conditioning can be used to explain how humans acquire phobic behaviours.

Question 2

WATSON & RAYNER: What was the results? (4)

Answer 2

Preconditioning trials: fear towards white rat
Post conditioning tests: 1) distress, 2) suspicion, 3) crying
Generalisation of response
Transferral of response

Question 3

WATSON & RAYNER: What was the conclusion? (3)

Answer 3

Successfully conditioned Albert and generalised reaction to other white furry things + transferred
Thought to last a lifetime
Conditioning can occur after a few pairings only

Question 4

WATSON & RAYNER: Generalisability (3)

Answer 4

Unrepresentative
Cosh (2012)- Douglas died at 7 could have been ill then so may not have responded normally
Digdon & Powell (2014)- thought Little Albert wa someone else who lived to 87 so could be generalised

Question 5

WATSON & RAYNER: Reliability (2)

Answer 5

• Standardised procedures
• Inter-rater reliability

Question 6

WATSON & RAYNER: Application (2)

Answer 6

Phobias
Habits/ reactions

Question 7

WATSON & RAYNER: Validity

Answer 7

• Controls: empty room, preconditioning trials
• Ecological validity
• Construct validity

Question 8

WATSON & RAYNER: Ethics (3)

Answer 8

• Distress
• Presumptive/Parental consent
• Right to withdraw