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Evaluate the classic studies by Watson and Rayner (1920) and Raine et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 4
Evaluate the classic studies by Watson and Rayner (1920) and Raine et al. (1997) in how they could be used as a means of social control.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate the classic studies by Watson and Rayner (1920) and Raine et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
Evaluate the study by Raine et al. (1997)
Answer
Raine et al. (1997) employed PET scans to examine the brain activity of 41 individuals who were charged with murder but pleaded NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity). This investigation revealed that violent behavior could not solely be attributed to a single brain region; instead, multiple regions involved were noted. This comprehensive analysis suggests that psychological conditions leading to violent actions may provide a basis for developing interventions aimed at reducing such behaviors.
However, challenges arise in terms of generalizability given the sample size and its specific focus; screening may not be effective for most of the population. Furthermore, the Continuous Performance Task (CPT) utilized during the study may not accurately reflect real-life scenarios of social control. Thus, while the findings can inform prevention strategies, their applicability may be limited.
Step 2
Evaluate the study by Watson and Rayner (1920)
Answer
Watson and Rayner (1920) conducted a study on emotional conditioning using Little Albert, a child who was conditioned to fear a white rat and other stimuli through the pairing of the stimuli with a loud noise. This experiment demonstrates the power of classical conditioning and suggests that such conditioning can be manipulated to control behavior, raising ethical concerns about the potential for societal conditioning and control.
However, the methodology faced criticism including the ethical implications of manipulating a child's emotional state without consent. Moreover, the findings might not be easily generalized beyond the individual subject or replicated with individuals of varying backgrounds, which can limit the broader application of their conclusions regarding social control.