alternatives to the medical model

Question 1

what are the assumptions of the behaviourist perspective

Answer 1

we are all born blank slates and our behaviour is learnt through our environment via operant conditioning, classical conditioning and the social learning theory

Question 2

what is operant conditioning

Answer 2

learning through consequences

positive reinforcement- a reward makes us more likely to repeat behaviours

negative reinforcement- a response/ behaviour is strengthened by avoiding a negative outcome

punishment- a bad consequence we are unlikely to repeat

Question 3

what is classical conditioning

Answer 3

learning by association

when two environmental stimulus occur together, we learn to associate them e.g watson and rayner study

Question 4

describe the social learning theory

Answer 4

1. observation of a role model 2. vicarious reinforcement by watching them be rewarded for their behaviour 3. imitation of the role models behaviour 4. direct reinforcement- the same reward the role model got for their behaviour 5. internalisation of behaviour- it becoming part of who the person is

Question 5

how does the behaviourist explanation say phobias are acquired and maintained

Answer 5

phobias are acquired through operant and classical conditioning and the slt.

phobias are maintained through operant conditioning- negative reinforcement (avoiding the phobia) and positive reinforcement (people comforting you)

Question 6

describe the study by watson and rayner

Answer 6

Albert (9 months old) was presented with many different stimulus to see how he would react to them. he would play happily with the white rat (neutral stimulus) but would cry (unconditioned response) at a metal bar being struck with a hammer (unconditioned stimulus).

Albert was then presented with the white rat at the same time the bar was struck, causing him to start crying. after doing this a few times, albert was presented with just the white rat which caused him to start crying (conditioned response) as soon as he saw the rat (conditioned stimulus) regardless of whether they made the banging sound.

albert also appeared anxious when presented with other furry, white objects besides the rat

Question 7

what are the assumptions of the cognitive explanation of mental illness