Behavioural approach to explaining phobias

Question 1

Behavioural approach suggests

Answer 1

phobias are a learned behaviour

Question 2

Mowrer argues that phobias are

Answer 2

learnt through classical conditioning then maintained through operant conditioning. Two process model.

Question 3

Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

Phobias can be acquired through classical conditioning involves learning a phobia through association.

Question 4

Classical Conditioning
(Little Albert) 1

Answer 4

Little Albert has no fear of rats (neutral stimulus). When Albert was shown the rat and the researcher made a loud bang(unconditioned stimulus) which cause fear (unconditioned response). The rat become a conditioned stimulus which cause a conditioned response of fear. he generalised this fear to other objects such as fur coat and beard.

Question 5

Operant Conditioning

Answer 5

Phobias are maintained through operant conditioning because by continuing to avoid the feared stimulus they are being negatively reinforced by reducing the anxiety they feel. This explains why phobias are long lasting through continued avoidance.