Evaluation Of Procedure/Method (Baby Albert) Flashcards
What was one pro of the procedure/method?
It was a Controlled Study=
> It was controlled under controlled conditions.
Extraneous variables could be controlled.
There was a baseline condition.
There was a control condition (building blocks).
Films were used to record.
What is one con of the procedure/method?
The Sample:
> Albert was “an extremely phlegmatic type” and emotionally unstable = respond with greater fear
.
No comparison = can’t be generalized
What is con of Alternative Evidence?
The two-process theory:
> Can not explain how phobias persist.
W&R talk about “freshing up”
> O.H.Mowrer (two-process model)=
1st stage is classical conditioning (acquired)
2nd stage is operant conditioning (maintained)
Which psychologist came up with the two-process theory?
1947
O.H.Mowrer
What is a weakness of the experiment due to learning is not the only explanation?
Ost = Many people have phobias without a triggering event or conditioning episode.
Di Narrow et al = someone people experience a triggering episode and do not develop a phobia.
Martin Seligman = biological preparedness and ancient fears due to evolutionary past.
Did W&R create fear in Baby Albert?
They seemed unsure about whether they created excessive fear in Albert.
Was Albert harmed during the experiment?
Created psychology harm:
in order to observe full effects of the fearful stimuli they removed his thumb from his mouth, (an action which calmed him down), and so he had no way of comforting himself.
Was there lasting effects of the experiment?
> W&R did intend to remove the conditioned responses.
However Alert was suddenly removed.
Continued his fear.
Researchers should have ensured that un-conditioning should have taken place.
Why is not knowing the identity of the real Albert’s identity an issue?
Hall Beck = Douglas Merritte, died from hydrocephalus. this means the baby may have been brain damaged - conclusion less valid.
Russ Powell and Navy Digdon = may have had life long effects.
