Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What was the primary objective of the Little Albert Experiment conducted by Watson and Rayner?

1. To measure a child's intelligence

2. To condition a phobia into an infant

3. To assess the impact of rewards on learning

4. To demonstrate the effectiveness of a new therapy

The correct answer is: To condition a phobia into an infant

The primary objective of the Little Albert Experiment, conducted by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner, was to condition a phobia into an infant. In this landmark study, the researchers aimed to demonstrate that emotional responses, such as fear, could be conditioned in humans. Little Albert was exposed to various stimuli, including a white rat, which initially produced no fear. However, by pairing the rat with a loud, frightening noise, the researchers successfully conditioned Albert to respond with fear to the rat alone. This experiment provided significant evidence for the principles of classical conditioning, illustrating that feelings of fear could be learned rather than being innate responses. The findings from the study had a profound impact on the field of psychology, particularly in understanding how emotional responses can be shaped and modified through conditioning. The other options relate to different areas of psychological study that do not align with the main focus of the Little Albert Experiment, which specifically emphasized the development of conditioned emotional responses.