Edexcel IAS Psychology Key Studies Watson and Rayner

What was the main aim of Watson & Rayner's study?

• To prove that emotions are innate

• To demonstrate that Classical Conditioning works on humans

• To study the unconscious mind

• To show that phobias are defense mechanisms

What was the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) in Watson & Rayner's experiment?

• The white rat

• The rabbit

• The Santa mask

• The loud noise

What was the Conditioned Response (CR) in the Little Albert experiment?

• Whimpering at the loud noise

• Laughing at the rabbit

• Crawling towards the white rat

• Crying at the white rat

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Learning Approach illustrated by Watson & Rayner's study?

• Treating emotions as measurable behaviors

• Studying the unconscious mind

• Filming the study for replication

• Using experimental controls to isolate variables

What ethical issue is raised by Watson & Rayner's study?

• Causing distress to an infant

• Lack of informed consent

• Lack of confidentiality

• Deception of participants

What is 'generalisation of response' as observed in the Little Albert experiment?

• Albert's fear response to the white rat

• Albert's fear response to other white, furry animals

• Albert's reaction to Watson wearing a Santa mask

• Albert's lack of fear response to the loud noise

What was the sample size in Watson & Rayner's study?

• Five toddlers

• Twenty children

• Ten infants

• One baby boy

What did Watson & Rayner conclude about the duration of the conditioned fear response?

• It lasted only a few days

• It lasted over a month

• It was permanent

• It disappeared immediately

What is 'Systematic Desensitisation'?

• Gradually exposing someone to the feared stimuli in a controlled manner

• Avoiding the feared stimuli altogether

• Using medication to reduce fear responses

• Exposing someone to the feared stimuli until panic wears off

What was the role of Albert's mother in the experiment?

• She was unaware of the experiment

• She gave consent and was present the whole time

• She conducted the experiment

• She withdrew Albert immediately