Classic Study : Watson and Rayner

• What was the aim of Watson and Rayner's study?

  To condition a phobia into a child
• What was the sample used in Watson and Rayner's study?

  A 9-month-old baby called Little Albert
• What is a weakness of the sample in Watson and Rayner's study?

  It lacks generalizability due to one participant
• Where did Little Albert grow up?

  In a hospital located in America
• What was a notable characteristic of Little Albert?

  He was described as solid and stable
• What ethical issue arose from Watson and Rayner's study?

  Conditioning a phobia caused distress to Albert
• What was a strength of the procedure used in the study?

  It had standardized procedures for high reliability
• How many times was the metal bar banged during the conditioning process?

  5 times a week later and 2 times 17 days later
• What was the first trial's result when Albert encountered the rat?

  Albert jumped violently
• What did the researchers find about Albert's reaction to a white coat 7 weeks later?

  He cried at the sight of the white coat
• What is a weakness regarding the ecological validity of the study?

  The study was conducted in artificial, controlled conditions
• What is a limitation of the study related to control groups?

  There was no control group to establish cause and effect
• What conclusion did Watson and Rayner reach about phobias?

  Phobias can be conditioned through classical conditioning
• What are the implications of Watson and Rayner's findings for treatment?

  • Phobias can be learned behaviors
  • Treatments like systematic desensitization can reverse phobias
  • Associating stimuli with relaxation can help