The Little Albert experiment is among the most unethical psychological experiments. The experiment was conducted in 1920 by John Watson and Rosalie Rayner at Johns Hopkins University. The hypothesis was that through a series of pairings, they could condition a nine-month-old child to develop an irrational fear. Why do you think this is one of the most famous studies?

The Little Albert experiment is among the most unethical psychological experiments. The experiment was conducted in 1920 by John Watson and Rosalie Rayner at Johns Hopkins University. The hypothesis was that through a series of pairings, they could condition a nine-month-old child to develop an irrational fear. Why do you think this is one of the most famous studies?

The experiment began by placing a white rat in front of the infant, who initially had no fear of the animal. Watson then produced a loud sound by striking a steel bar with a hammer every time little Albert was presented with the rat. After several pairings (the noise and the presentation of the white rat), the boy began to cry and exhibit signs of fear every time the rat appeared in the room. Watson also created similarly conditioned reflexes with other common animals and objects (rabbits, Santa beard, etc.) until Albert feared them all. This study proved that classical conditioning works on humans. One of the most important implications this finding has is that adult fears are often connected to early childhood experiences.

Write an essay summarizing the Little Albert Experiment. How did it support Watson’s view of classical conditioning? What if anything about this experiment was unethical? Can you imagine anything you’ve been classically conditioned to perceive as a phobia? Explain.

Essay Assignments: Four written essay assignments (25 points) totaling a possible 100 points. A rubric is available on Blackboard with grading requirements. Students can view the rubric before submitting the assignment by opening the assignment. Browsing and reading the rubric will not prevent students from submitting assignments later.

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Essays must be at least 2-5 pages long, double-spaced, and in 12-point new times roman font. Papers must be turned in on time and correctly in Bb. Assignments must include an APA formatted reference sheet.

This assignment does not need a title page, header, or numbered page. Students can find more information referencing APA format in Bb on the left menu tab labeled APA format handouts. The Purdue Owl Website is an excellent resource for APA format. The essay assignments must be turned in on time and correctly in Bb.

Pay attention to the formats accepted by Blackboard (Bb). Late essays are subject to a 20% late penalty and will be approved at the instructor’s discretion. The student must request a reason for the request in writing and be accompanied by any pertinent documents (e.g., doctors’ notes) when appropriate.

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