John B. Watson · 1920
Little Albert Experiment
A shocking experiment that infused fear into a 9-month-old baby. Albert, who liked rats, came to fear anything furry.
Methodology
Subject: Healthy 9-month-old boy "Albert B"
Procedure:
• Step 1: Showed Albert a white rat, rabbit, mask, etc. → No fear
• Step 2: Struck a steel bar with a hammer whenever the rat appeared (Loud noise)
• Step 3: Repeated 7 times
• Step 4: Showed only the rat 5 days later
⏱️ Duration: About 2 months (Jan-Mar 1920)
Findings
Shocking Results:
• Albert started crying and crawling away just seeing the rat
• "Generalization": Feared not just rats but rabbits, dogs, Santa masks, even Watson's hair
• Fear persisted a month later
Reactions:
- Rat: Immediate crying + escape
- Rabbit: "Almost instantly burst into tears"
Significance
Historical Meaning:
One of the most famous and unethical experiments. Proved fear can be learned.
Ethical Issues:
• No parental consent (Mother was a wet nurse)
• No "desensitization" - Albert left with the fear
• Led to stricter APA ethics
Mystery: Albert's identity was unknown until 2009; likely died at age 6 from hydrocephalus.