Question

How do you think John Watson's scandal would be addressed today? Do you think that Watson would have been asked to resign his position? Why were these issues so much more important during his time? What contributions do you think he would have made if he stayed in academia?

Answer 1

The scandal

During the time when behaviorist John Watson was conducting his Little Albert experiment on emotional conditioning, his affair with assistant Rayner came to light. This led to his divorce with his wife, as well as his expulsion from the John Hopkins University where he was serving. The expulsion was done due to his scandalous divorce and public indiscretion, which many of his colleagues feel was not the real reason behind him being fired. A few believed that he was conducting sex-based experiments in his lab and recording emotional changes during intercourse with Rayner. Such experiments might have led to his expulsion, according to them. On the other hand, a few believe the original story due to lack of evidence in support of his sexual experiments.

Reactions to Watson’s scandal in the present world

As infidelity and divorce are considered as common issues in society now days, it could have become a personal matter in the present world. However, if such a scandal would have come to light within the premises of an organization, there could be a systematic investigation of the issue. If Watson would have done something that was against the university’s moral codes of conduct, then he might have faced an expulsion. However, the affair and divorce would not have been addressed that harshly today.

As against this, if the matter was about conducting sexual experiments while making his assistant the subject of such experiments within the workplace, then Watson might have been asked to resign, provided the experimental equipment and recorded data evidences existed. While sexual affairs are more common today, the matter would not have been ignored even in the present scenario, especially when the sensitive experiments are done without ethical considerations and required permissions. These moral and ethical issues were much more important during Watsons’ time, which also made his scandal disastrous for his career in academia.

Contributions Watson would have made if he stayed in academia

• John Watson is considered to be the father of behaviorism, which flourished during his times and started gaining a strong position in the field of psychology. Had Watson stayed in academia, he would have taken behaviorism to newer heights.
• While his Little Albert experiment was criticized for ethical issues against the negative treatment of human subjects, he would have continued studying the concept of conditioning further. He might have come up with some mixed approaches to explain behavior, as his approach was scientific and rational. He might also have come up with revolutionary findings in the domain of learning, which he studied through animal research.
• As during an address at a university, he showed his professional curiosity in sex, he might have conducted further experimental work in that area. The world could have explored the physiological and psychological linkages to sexual activities through Watson, had his supposed experiments carried on.
• Additionally, Watson would have contributed significantly to the world of advertising, as he was brilliant at applying his scientific training to innovations in advertising.