Watson and Rayner Flashcards
(20 cards)
What evidence did Watson and Rayner provide to demonstrate that Albert had developed a conditioned fear of the white rat?
Albert cried, turned away, and tried to escape when the rat was presented alone after conditioning.
How did Albert react when presented with the rabbit?
Intense fear, crying, crawling away.
How did Albert react when presented with the dog?
Mild fear, shrinking back.
What was Albert’s reaction to the fur coat and Santa Claus mask?
Avoidance and distress.
Why did Watson and Rayner repeatedly give Albert the blocks during the study?
The blocks were used to calm Albert and test if his fear was specific to the conditioned stimuli.
What was Albert’s reaction when the rat was presented alone?
He whimpered immediately, withdrew his right hand, and turned his head and body away.
What did Watson and Rayner conclude about the persistence of conditioned emotional responses?
Conditioned emotional responses could persist over time and possibly last a lifetime.
What factors might contribute to the removal of conditioned responses in a natural environment according to Watson and Rayner?
Conditioned fears might persist indefinitely unless removed accidentally or through specific interventions.
What are the ethical implications of Watson and Rayner’s study?
Issues include consent, distress caused, and the long-term impact on Albert.
How did Watson and Rayner ensure that Albert’s fear responses were specific to the conditioned stimuli?
Albert’s fear of blocks was tested to ensure the conditioned response was specific to the stimuli.
Can the findings of Watson and Rayner’s study be generalized to other children?
Findings may not generalize due to only one participant and Albert’s unique upbringing.
How might the findings of this study be applied to understanding and treating phobias today?
The study showed how fears can be learned and generalized, laying the groundwork for therapies like systematic desensitization.
Why did Watson and Rayner choose Albert as their participant for the study?
Albert was healthy, well-developed, and lived in the hospital, making him readily available.
What were Watson and Rayner’s ethical justifications for conducting this study?
They believed the study would cause ‘relatively little harm’ and similar fears would arise in normal life.
What was Albert’s initial reaction when the white rat was presented alongside the loud sound?
Albert jumped violently and fell forward but did not cry initially.
Describe the process Watson and Rayner used to condition Albert’s fear of the white rat.
They paired the presentation of the white rat with a loud noise over seven trials.
How did Watson and Rayner test whether Albert’s fear had been generalized to other stimuli?
Albert was exposed to other stimuli (rabbit, dog, fur coat, mask) to see if his fear extended to similar objects.
What was Albert’s reaction to the cotton wool?
He kicked it away but did not touch it with his hands, showing less shock than with other stimuli.
What was Albert’s reaction to the Santa Claus mask?
He was again pronouncedly negative.
What did Watson and Rayner believe about the persistence of conditioned responses in the home environment?
They believed these responses are likely to persist indefinitely unless an accidental method for removing them is found.
