Exposing the Unethical Nature of the Little Albert Experiment- A Critique on Moral Missteps in Psychology

How was the Little Albert Experiment Unethical?

The Little Albert Experiment, conducted by psychologist John B. Watson and his graduate student Rosalie Rayner in 1920, is often cited as one of the most unethical experiments in the history of psychology. The experiment aimed to investigate classical conditioning, a psychological concept where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a natural reflex or response. However, the experiment’s methodology and outcomes raise significant ethical concerns that continue to resonate in the field of psychology today. This article delves into the reasons why the Little Albert Experiment was considered unethical.