Conclusions

• Conclusions

  • Demonstrated that a fear response can be created with ease
  • Just two 'joint stimulations' in the first week were sufficient enough to create a conditioned emotional response
  • Just seven 'joint stimulations' were given to bring out the complete reaction
  • Demonstrated that conditioned responses generalise to other similar stimuli
  • Suggested that it is likely that many phobias are acquired this way
  • However, the persistence of early conditioned responses would only be found in people who are 'constitutionally inferior'
• Conclusion - the Freudian position

  • Albert started sucking his thumb when scared - may have been a form of sexual stimulation - W+R suggested Freud may have been in the wrong in presuming stimulation is pleasure seeking, instead it might be a form of compensation to block fear
• Conclusion - the Freudian position

  • W+R describe a scene in the future when little Albert is in his 20s + might seek help from a Freudian therapist for a phobia of furry objects
  • A therapist would analyse Albert's fear + propose young Albert had tried to play with pubic hair of his mother + was scolded violently for it. This would cause Albert to push the memory into his unconscious mind where it would become a phobia