2- Explaining Phobias [Behaviourist Explanation]

Question 1

According to the behavioural approach what can abnormal behaviour be caused by?

Answer 1

1. Classical conditioning
2. Operant conditioning
3. Social Learning Theory

Question 2

which scientist proposed to the two-process model?

Answer 2

Mowrer (1947)

Question 3

what was the two process model?

Answer 3

• phobias are learnt through classical conditioning
• phobias are maintained via operant conditioning

Question 4

what are the two phases within the two process model?

Answer 4

PHASE ONE: initiation
PHASE TWO: maintenance

Question 5

whats in the initiation phase?

Answer 5

classical conditioning

Question 6

describe classical conditioning of a fear of wasps

Answer 6

before:
WASP (ns) = NO RESPONSE (ucr)
STING (ucs) = PAIN (ucr)

during:
WASP (ns) + STING (ucs) = PAIN (ur)

after:
WASP (cs) = FEAR (cr)

Question 7

what is in the second phase of the two-way model?

Answer 7

operant conditioning

Question 8

how can phobias be maintained via operant conditioning?

Answer 8

they can be negatively reinforced, as the behaviour is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed

Question 9

describe the maintenance of a person with a phobia with dogs? (via operant conditioning)

Answer 9

1. a person with a phobia of dogs may cross the road to avoid it
2. avoidance reduces the feelings of anxiety, negatively reinforcing their behaviour
3. anxiety reduction reinforces their irrational beliefs
4. as a result it will influence the person to continue to avoid dogs and maintain their phobias

Question 10

describe the ‘Little Albert’ Case study, conducted in 1920 by Watson and Raynor

Answer 10

1. Watson and Raynor were interested in taking Pavlov’s theory of classical conditioning further, including emotional reactions within classical conditioning
2. the child participant was known as Little Albert
3. At 9 months Albert was exposed to stimuli and showed no reaction/fear
4. Watson used a loud bang, associated with the presence of a white rat to classically condition Albert to become scared
5. Watson recorded emotions of distress and upset from Albert

Question 11

what did Watson and Raynor discover with stimulus generalisation regarding Little Albert?

Answer 11

they found his fear generalised to all furry animals

Question 12

what were the main criticisms with the Little Albert Case study?

Answer 12

• there were no measurable means
• no ethics

Question 13

what were the strengths of behaviourist explanations?

Answer 13

• ## two process model, was a good explanatory power

Question 14

what were the limitations of the behaviourist explanantion?

Answer 14

-does not regard cognitive aspects of phobias
- alternative explanations for avoidance
- many psychologists argue the two process model is incomplete

Question 15

What’s the case study called?

Answer 15

Little Albert