Discussion 4-Little Albert Revisted John B. Watson used the principles of classi
ID: 3449505 • Letter: D
Question
Discussion 4-Little Albert Revisted John B. Watson used the principles of classical conditioning to create Little Albert's fear response to a white rat (which was later generalized to other furry things). However, Little Albert's experience with the rat was punishing so he wants to avoid future encounters with the rat. Observational learning requires a bit of a stretch. For Little Albert to acquire a fear response to a rat through observation it would require his observing others responding fearfully to a rat rather than being directly frightened by the loud noise. However, Little Albert could still be engaging in observational learning. In this case, he could learn through observation how to make little children cry. All three of these learning principles have implications for treatment strategies. Using appropriate terminology, select one of these principles and use it to propose a treatment plan to address Little Albert's fear.Explanation / Answer
Classical conditioning could be used for treating phobias or fears. The method on the basis of classical conditioning is systematic desensitisation. Systematic desensitisation removes the fear that had been developed as a result of phobias, and would replace it with the response of relaxation, with the final help of counter conditioning. In this method, the patient begins to be taught of relaxation techniquesas well as breathing techniques. This allows the person to gain breathing control along with muscle desensitisation. By this step, there would be reciprocal inhibition.
Following this, the person would be creating a fear hierarchy starting with the least fearsome stimuli to the most provoking image. This helps in structuring of the therapy. This is followed by working up the fears through relaxation techniques such that they would progress from one stage to the other. This would impact the client, and he would practice, till the time, anxiety wouldn’t be evoked.