Little Albert Experiment Summary

David Muir

2 min read

·

06-12-2024

21

0

Share

The Little Albert experiment, conducted in 1920 by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner, remains one of the most infamous and ethically problematic studies in the history of psychology. Its aim was to demonstrate that classical conditioning could be used to create a phobia in a human subject. While the study's methodology has been heavily criticized, its impact on the understanding of behaviorism and emotional learning is undeniable.

The Subject and Methodology

The subject, "Albert B," was an eleven-month-old infant selected for his emotionally stable temperament. Watson and Rayner initially assessed Albert's reactions to various stimuli, including a white rat, a rabbit, a dog, and masks. Albert showed no initial fear of these objects.

The experiment involved pairing the presentation of a white rat (neutral stimulus) with a loud, startling noise (unconditioned stimulus) created by striking a steel bar behind Albert's head. This pairing was repeated several times. Consequently, Albert began to exhibit a conditioned fear response (conditioned response) – crying and showing distress – not just to the rat, but also to similar stimuli, such as a rabbit, a dog, and even a Santa Claus mask. This phenomenon is known as stimulus generalization.

Findings and Implications

The experiment's findings seemed to support Watson and Rayner's hypothesis that phobias could be learned through classical conditioning. The results suggested that emotional responses, like fear, are not innate but rather acquired through learning. This greatly influenced the development of behaviorism, a school of thought that emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.

Ethical Concerns and Criticisms

The Little Albert experiment is heavily criticized on ethical grounds. Crucially, no attempt was made to decondition Albert's fear. Furthermore, the experiment lacked informed consent from Albert's mother, who was only vaguely informed about the study's procedures. The emotional distress inflicted upon the infant is considered profoundly unethical by modern standards. The long-term effects of the experiment on Albert remain unknown, fueling further ethical concerns. Subsequent research has also cast doubt on the generalizability of the findings, with some suggesting the conditioning may have been weaker than originally claimed.

Lasting Legacy

Despite its profound ethical flaws, the Little Albert experiment remains a significant case study in the history of psychology. It highlighted the power of classical conditioning in shaping emotional responses and contributed significantly to the development of behaviorism. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical considerations in psychological research and the need for informed consent and the minimization of harm to participants. The experiment continues to be debated and analyzed, serving as a cautionary tale about the ethical responsibilities of researchers.