It’s pretty great teaching Human Sexual Behavior, but I think our discussion next week regarding the legendary father of Behaviorism John Watson’s affair with his 19 year old student and reports that he “took readings” and “made records” of her responses during sex (According to reports discussed in Mary Roach’s awesome book Bonk, The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex). Might be a WEE bit awkward in a room full of my 20-something students, not to mention the fact he apparently owned some sort of scary cage-like speculum device for his research.
One can only imagine what type of conditioned associations Watson & his future wife must have had to lab equipment (Probably a bit more scandalous than salivation. . .).
Watson, future wife Rosalie Rayner & Little Albert
Isn’t Albert the poor kid who’s been conditioned to fear all things white and fluffy?
Yep, one and the same. There’s lots of controversy/discussion on whether Little Albert was ever unconditioned fro his fears or whether they remained with him throughout his life!
Dr.V.