4.3: Explaining phobias Flashcards
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks)
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
How are phobias acquired?
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
What does the two-process model explain?
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - What?
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, what happens to a stimulus?
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to what?
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing what?
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
When are phobias caused?
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that what) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus?
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that what)?
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR)
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
First AO3 PEEL paragraph
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
Example
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
What does this show?
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests what?
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
Second AO3 PEEL paragraph
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
Example
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
What does this suggest?
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
What may be?
It may be that other factors are involved
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example what?
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
What does this suggest?
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
Third AO3 PEEL paragraph
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like what?
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by who?
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by Seligman
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by Seligman.
What is preparedness?
Preparedness is that we have evolved to be afraid
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by Seligman.
Preparedness is that we have evolved to be afraid - What?
Preparedness is that we have evolved to be afraid - We are genetically ‘primed’ to quickly learn to fear objects and situations that were life-threatening to our distant ancestors (Ohman et al)
Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes.
The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages - They are initially caused by classical conditioning and then they are maintained over time by operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour.
Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus.
Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus (one that provokes a reflex, unconditioned fear response, UCR).
The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias.
For example, Watson and Rayner conducted an experiment on an 11 month old boy known as little Albert.
Albert learned to associate all white fluffy things with fear, because every time he saw a white rat, a loud, frightening noise was made.
This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias.
The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning.
For example, DiNardo et al. found that 60% of dog phobics could recall a frightening experience with a dog, supporting the behavioural approach.
However, in a control group of participants without a phobia of dogs, the same percentage reported a frightening experience of dogs.
This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone.
It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia.
This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias.
The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by Seligman.
Preparedness is that we have evolved to be afraid - We are genetically ‘primed’ to quickly learn to fear objects and situations that were life-threatening to our distant ancestors (Ohman et al).
What does this suggest?
This suggests that there is more to explaining phobias than classical conditioning and that the behavioural approach to explaining phobias isn’t valid
