Once upon a time . . .
more specifically in the late 1910’s . . .
psychologists were searching for some practical application of their new-ish, scientifically-recognized-ish field, like the possibility of training pigeons to drop bombs . . .
and Freud (Oedipus Complex, anal fixation, id, etc.) was not going to be particularly helpful to Project Pigeon.
Psychologist and Professor John Watson, familiar with Pavlov's dogs (Russian physiologist, dogs, bell, salivation, etc.) decided to initiate an experiment involving altering human behavior . . .
pre MK-Ultra (cold war, CIA, Manchurian Candidate, LSD, mind control, etc.) and pre-the Stanford Prison Experiment (college students, $15 a day, unbelievable deterioration of civility, thwarted rebellion, early termination for participants' safety, etc.) . . .
but still very disturbing.
To demonstrate classical conditioning, ("classical" added later when B.F. Skinner created a newer than classical condition) Dr. Watson chose a 9-month-old called Little Albert and documented his attempts to "condition a phobia in an emotionally stable child."
Disturbing AND not at all Christmassy.
Dr. Watson started by noting Albert, like most emotionally stable children, was not a fan of sudden loud noises.
However, Albert did like white lab rats . . .
until their appearance was paired with a sudden loud noise. Then Little Albert was no longer a fan of rats (with or without a ruckus).
Watson moved on to other white, fluffy things.
Little Albert generalized the response to bunnies, puppies, a seal-skin coat and . . .
Santa Claus.
Dr. Watson discussed how little Albert could be desensitized to his new phobia, but busy publishing his success by eliciting a conditioned response and stimulus generalization in an, at one time, emotionally stable child, he sent Albert back to his mother.
So what have we learned?
Santa phobia may have undisclosed causation?
Use caution when volunteering yourself, your spouse, your child, or your dog for any experimentation . . .
especially at a college campus . . .
or government facility . . .
or any location before 1970?
While attempting to determine if your child has normal Santa anxiety or a condition requiring medication, do your best to have a Merry Christmas?
Wishing you success at both tasks.#Christmas #Santa #Psychology #Children #BehavioralScience
Updated 12/22/2017
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Other Stories of Christmas Creepers:
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| Six to Eight Black Men |
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Yule Lads
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