Which statement is a strength of the Watson and Rayner evaluation of the Little Albert study?

Which statement is a strength of the Watson and Rayner evaluation of the Little Albert study?

• A. It provides evidence for classical conditioning.
• B. It proves all phobias are learned.
• C. It shows operant conditioning.
• D. It has no ethical concerns.

Answer: (A)

Classical conditioning is the main concept demonstrated here. By pairing a neutral stimulus (the white rat) with an aversive event (a loud noise), Albert learned to fear the rat alone, so the rat became a conditioned stimulus that evoked a fear response. This provides clear evidence that fear can be learned through association, which is why it’s considered a strength of the Watson and Rayner evaluation. It doesn’t show that all phobias are learned, nor does it illustrate operant conditioning, which involves learning from consequences rather than association. Ethical concerns about the study also limit its interpretation, so the strength identified is specifically about demonstrating classical conditioning, not broader claims or ethical acceptability.

Classical conditioning is the main concept demonstrated here. By pairing a neutral stimulus (the white rat) with an aversive event (a loud noise), Albert learned to fear the rat alone, so the rat became a conditioned stimulus that evoked a fear response. This provides clear evidence that fear can be learned through association, which is why it’s considered a strength of the Watson and Rayner evaluation. It doesn’t show that all phobias are learned, nor does it illustrate operant conditioning, which involves learning from consequences rather than association. Ethical concerns about the study also limit its interpretation, so the strength identified is specifically about demonstrating classical conditioning, not broader claims or ethical acceptability.