History of Psychology Learning/Memory

Episode 114: Finding Little Albert

Little Albert

This episode of the podcast – first published in Jan of 2010 – summarized the article which details the efforts of researchers to determine the identity of the so-called “Little Albert”:

Unraveling a Psychological Puzzle

The world of psychology holds captivating studies and intriguing mysteries. Among them lies the enigma of identifying an individual’s true identity.

Doubts and Debates

Initially, in January 2010, a podcast episode highlighted an article by Beck, Levinson, and Irons. Their research delved into the efforts to pinpoint the real “Little Albert.” However, it’s crucial to note that recent findings by Digdon, Powell, and Harris question Beck and team’s conclusions.

New Discoveries

Instead of the previously thought identity, this new wave of research suggests the boy might be William Albert Barger. This revelation is certainly groundbreaking. It indicates that our understanding of “Little Albert” may not be as clear-cut as once believed.

Further Explorations

For those who are eager to explore further and delve into greater depths, there’s another episode titled “Little Albert’s Real Identity: Time to Rewrite the Textbooks.” This particular episode promises to offer the latest and most up-to-date insights into the enduring mystery surrounding Little Albert. Moreover, if you’re intrigued by the intricate web of myths and truths that envelop the renowned “Little Albert Study,” episode 47 has you covered, providing valuable illumination on the subject.

Conclusion

In the end, the quest for truth in psychology, as seen in cases like this, is ever-evolving. As researchers delve deeper and unveil new findings, it’s crucial to stay receptive to various possibilities. After all, delving into the human mind is as intricate as the mind’s own complexities.

Please see this episode, for the latest info on this psychological puzzle.

More information on the myths and truths of this famous Puzzle can be found in episode 47.

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Michael

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16 Comments

  1. The Little Albert Study: What You Know is...Mostly Wrong | The Psych Files

    January 5, 2010

    […] H: yup. Great article on the Finding of Little Albert. I went over some of the details in this video episode: https://thepsychfiles.com/2010/01/episode-114-video-finding-little-albert/ […]

  2. Evidence for Affiirmations, the Licensing Effect and Gossip | The Psych Files

    January 5, 2010

    […] episodes I discussed Little Albert, psychology’s most famous subject. The episodes were Finding Little Albert and Little Albert Myths, well now I’ve got an activity in which you play detective in the […]

  3. Avatar

    Michael

    January 5, 2010

    David: I did remove the video a little while back when the new research came out about Albert’s real identity most likely being Albert Barger and not, as this research indicates, Douglas Merritt. However, the authors of this research plan to publish a retort in which they respond to authors of the Albert Barger article. So the real identity of “Albert” may indeed not be resolved yet.

    I appreciate your interest in the episode. It certainly was a fun one to record and who knows – maybe this it’s correct after all. Thanks for getting in touch!

  4. Avatar

    David Bailey

    January 5, 2010

    Am I missing something or have you removed the video podcast for this episode…

    If you have removed it, I am wondering why you wouldn’t keep if for historical reasons yourself even though it may not be the real Little Albert. I use this story… the search for little albert… as an example for my students to learn the thrills and disappointments of historical research. The video podcast for Episode 114 does a wonderful job of working through the challenges of searching through historical records… and ironically, at the end you state that this seems to be the end of the story, “for now..” Of course we know not it’s not, but I would like to continue to share the story (with all of the twists and turns) in it’s entirety (Episode 47 to Episode 114 to Episode 223). If you have removed it, can you put it back?

    Again, if I have missed something and it is still here, please let me know. Thanks!

  5. Å ta se dogodilo sa malim Albertom? | ePsihoterapija

    January 5, 2010

    […] Sajt za studente psihologije, sa snimkom predavanja o sudbini malog Alberta, preuzet 20.2.2010. sa adrese: https://thepsychfiles.com/2010/01/episode-114-video-finding-little-albert/ […]

  6. What Happened to Little Albert? « KU Human Services Blog

    January 5, 2010

    […] From the web site called Psych Files. While you are there have a look around. There are some great  podcasts and other information on various psychological topics. Read more: https://thepsychfiles.com/2010/01/episode-114-video-finding-little-albert/#ixzz1Mtl1JRYu […]

  7. What Happened to Little Albert? « KU Psychology Blog

    January 5, 2010

    […] From the web site called Psych Files. While you are there have a look around. There are some great  podcasts and other information on various psychological topics. Read more: https://thepsychfiles.com/2010/01/episode-114-video-finding-little-albert/#ixzz1Mtl1JRYu […]

  8. Avatar

    blackdog

    January 5, 2010

    Thank for clarifying my doubt about this covered story.

  9. Avatar

    Hannah

    January 5, 2010

    Thank you so much for a great video about an iconic experiment. This was so interesting and well presented.

  10. Avatar

    Joanne

    January 5, 2010

    Really good video. Answered who Little Albert really was. Just wish we could find out more, how he contracted the illness? Sadly he only lived 6years, but had the effects of the experiment played any part in his 6years of life? Theres a million more questions i could ask, but again really pleased with the work and answers we now have.

  11. Avatar

    Clarissa Mendonça

    January 5, 2010

    It’s the first time I can access The Psych Files and I feel very glad to find such an interesting content about psychology for free on the internet. Congratulations! Little Albert’s experiment always shocked me in a way and it’s good to see a more humanitarian view of the case. Very good video.

  12. Avatar

    The Doctor

    January 5, 2010

    It is critical to note that the death of Little Albert does not discredit the ethical issues associated with Watson’s empirical study. It would be intriguing to discover how he contracted hydrocephalus. Perhaps exhumation and modern technology could examine his cause of death.

    Maybe that will be someone else’s great discovery. Well, allons-y!

  13. Avatar

    Michael

    January 5, 2010

    The “James Dean” of pschology – I like that. Liyah: I too was a bit moved by the whole thing. It’s a fascinating story. Thanks for the comments.

  14. Avatar

    Liyah

    January 5, 2010

    very very good video… I enjoyed it a lot, thank you… Nearly had tears in my eyes at the sight of the grave.. poor Douglas.. he was a really sweet, cute little boy.

  15. Avatar

    Jean-Baptiste Q

    January 5, 2010

    This is a very interesting episode.
    Considering the debate Nature vs Nurture, some might say: ” Genetic holds the gun, environment pulls the trigger.”
    Little Albert is and will stay the James Dean of Psychology, an Experimental icon.
    Thank you for your work.

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