(1878 – 1958)
Understanding Watson’s Little Albert Experiment
In the study of psychology, particularly within the field of behaviourism, one of the most intriguing yet controversial experiments is that of Little Albert, conducted by John B. Watson and his colleague Rosalie Rayner in 1920. This experiment provides insight into how emotions can be conditioned through environmental interactions.
The Basics of Behaviourism
Before diving into the experiment, it’s essential to understand what behaviourism is. Behaviourism is a school of thought in psychology focusing on observable behaviours rather than internal thoughts or feelings. According to behaviourists like Watson, all behaviours are learned from the environment through interactions and experiences.
Key Concept: Classical Conditioning
The Little Albert experiment is a prime example of classical conditioning, a learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together. Over time, an individual begins to associate one stimulus with another, leading to a conditioned response.
For example, if you hear a bell every time you eat your favourite food, you may start to feel hungry whenever you hear that bell, even if there’s no food present. This is classically conditioning the feeling of hunger to the sound of the bell.
Overview of the Little Albert Experiment
The Setup
In the Little Albert experiment, Watson and Rayner wanted to demonstrate that emotional reactions could be conditioned in humans. They selected a baby named Albert, who was initially unafraid of various stimuli, including animals like a white rat, a rabbit, and even loud noises.
The Experiment
- Initial Response: Little Albert was shown the white rat, and he played with it without showing any fear.
- Conditioning Phase: To create fear of the rat, Watson and Rayner made a loud, frightening sound (like hitting a metal bar) every time Albert touched the rat. After several pairings of the rat with the loud noise, Albert began to cry and show fear at the mere sight of the rat, even without the sound.
Outcomes
The experiment showed that Albert had learned to associate the white rat with fear. Not only did he become frightened of the rat, but he also developed similar fears of other furry animals and objects that resembled the rat, such as a rabbit and a woolly coat. This phenomenon is known as generalisation—when a person’s response (in this case, fear) extends to similar stimuli.
Ethical Considerations
It’s important to note that this experiment raised many ethical concerns. Albert was conditioned to have a fear that negatively affected his well-being, and he was not desensitised or helped after the experiment. Today, ethical guidelines in psychological research are much stricter to ensure the safety and welfare of participants.
Relating the Concept to Real Life
To make this concept more relatable, consider a situation where a child receives a painful shot at the doctor’s office. If every time they visit the doctor, they experience pain, they may start to feel anxious or fearful when just entering the waiting room, even if they’re not currently being given an injection. This is an example of how classical conditioning operates in everyday life.
Hands-On Activity: Creating a Reflective Journal
As an engaging way to solidify understanding of classical conditioning, consider having students keep a reflective journal for one week.
Instructions:
- Observation: Each student should notice and note instances where they feel a certain way about something due to a past experience (e.g., how a particular sound or smell can trigger memories or feelings).
- Reflection: Encourage them to reflect on how these feelings may have developed. Were they conditioned by a past experience?
- Class Discussion: After a week, have a class discussion where students can share their experiences and link them back to Watson’s experiment.
Conclusion
Watson’s Little Albert experiment is a landmark study in behaviourism that illustrates the principle of classical conditioning. While it offers vital insights into how emotions can be learned through experience, it also reminds us to always consider the ethical implications of psychological research. Understanding these concepts not only helps in academic studies but also contributes to our comprehension of human behaviours in daily life.
Magister 