This textbook is famous for emphasizing , scientific inquiry , and debunking pseudoscience . A perfect "good story" from this book’s spirit is the case of David (Little Albert) vs. the story of "David" (Peter) from Mary Cover Jones — but I’ll tell the one that best fits their chapter on Learning and Scientific Skepticism .
Here is a story that embodies the book’s mission: The Setup (The Inquiry): In 1920, behaviorist John B. Watson wondered if fear was innate or learned. He chose a 9-month-old infant, "Albert B." (Little Albert). Initially, Albert was fearless—he reached for rats, rabbits, and burning newspapers. This textbook is famous for emphasizing , scientific
Here’s where the 4th Edition text shines. The story continues: Albert’s mother pulled him from the study before Watson could decondition (unlearn) the fear. Albert left permanently terrified of fuzzy things. For decades, textbooks ignored this—implying the fear lasted forever. Here is a story that embodies the book’s