4.3: Explaining phobias

Question 1

Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks)

Answer 1

Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model

Question 2

Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) developed the two-process model.
How are phobias acquired?

Answer 2

Phobias are acquired through environmental learning processes

Question 3

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?

Answer 3

The two-process model explains how phobias are learned in 2 stages

Question 4

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?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

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?

Answer 5

In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response​

Question 6

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?

Answer 6

In classical conditioning, a stimulus becomes associated with a response, while operant conditioning involves learning behaviour due to the consequences of that behaviour​

Question 7

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?

Answer 7

Classical conditioning involves pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously neutral, stimulus​

Question 8

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?

Answer 8

Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus​

Question 9

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?

Answer 9

Phobias are caused when a neutral stimulus (one that does not provoke fear) becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus​

Question 10

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)?

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

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

Answer 11

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias​

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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​​

Question 13

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?

Answer 13

This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias​

Question 14

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?

Answer 14

This shows that classical conditioning can successfully explain phobias and suggests that the behavioural approach is a valid explanation of phobias​

Question 15

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

Answer 15

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, there is contradictory research for the importance of classical conditioning

Question 16

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

Answer 16

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

Question 17

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?

Answer 17

This suggests that some people develop phobias without a frightening association and also that a frightening association does not cause a phobia in everyone

Question 18

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?

Answer 18

It may be that other factors are involved

Question 19

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?

Answer 19

It may be that other factors are involved, for example a genetic vulnerability to developing a phobia

Question 20

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?

Answer 20

This suggests that the behavioural approach is not a valid explanation of phobias

Question 21

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

Answer 21

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias

Question 22

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?

Answer 22

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness

Question 23

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?

Answer 23

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there are more effective explanations of phobias, like preparedness, as proposed by Seligman

Question 24

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?

Answer 24

Preparedness is that we have evolved to be afraid

Question 25

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?

Answer 25

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)

Question 26

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?

Answer 26

This suggests that there is more to explaining phobias than classical conditioning and that the behavioural approach to explaining phobias isn’t valid