Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

The Little Albert Experiment is often cited for its implications in which psychological concept?

1. Classical conditioning

2. Operant conditioning

3. Cognitive dissonance

4. Social learning theory

The correct answer is: Classical conditioning

The Little Albert Experiment is a pivotal study in psychology that showcases the principles of classical conditioning. Conducted by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in 1920, the experiment involved a young child named Albert who was initially unafraid of various stimuli, including a white rat. Through the processes of classical conditioning, the researchers paired the sight of the rat with loud, frightening noises that caused fear in Albert. Over time, the child began to exhibit fear reactions not only to the rat but also to similar stimuli, such as a rabbit or a fur coat. This experiment illustrated how emotional responses could be conditioned—demonstrating that feelings of fear could be learned through association. Thus, the Little Albert Experiment significantly contributed to the understanding of how behaviors and emotional responses can be conditioned through repeated exposure to paired stimuli—a fundamental aspect of classical conditioning theory. This foundational work has implications for various fields, including behavioral psychology and the treatment of phobias. The other concepts mentioned, such as operant conditioning, cognitive dissonance, and social learning theory, focus on different mechanisms of learning and behavior change that are distinct from the associative learning demonstrated in the Little Albert Experiment.