The Little Albert Experiment and the Legacy of John B. Watson

John B. Watson, a prominent behaviorist, claimed he could shape infants into any profession through conditioning, regardless of their background. He demonstrated this with the Little Albert experiment, where a baby was conditioned to fear a white rat. Watson believed behavior was a result of environmental factors, not genetics. He advised parents to maintain emotional distance from their children, a view that influenced parenting practices. However, his own children faced significant personal challenges, leading Watson to regret his child-rearing advice. He became reclusive later in life, burning his papers before his death.

What was the main method used by Watson in the Little Albert experiment to instill fear?

• Positive reinforcement

• Classical conditioning

• Operant conditioning

• Observational learning

According to Watson, what primarily determines a child's intelligence and personality?

• Genetic predispositions

• Innate abilities

• Parental affection

• Environmental factors

What advice did Watson give to parents in his book regarding their interaction with children?

• Show constant affection

• Focus on academic success

• Maintain emotional distance

• Encourage independence

What was one of the negative outcomes faced by Watson's children as a result of his parenting methods?

• High academic achievements

• Mental health issues

• Strong family bonds

• Successful careers

What did Watson do with his papers towards the end of his life?

• Published them

• Passed them to his children

• Donated them to a university

• Burned them