Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias

Question 1

What is the behavioural approach

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms on learning

Question 2

What is classical conditioning

Answer 2

Learning through association- a neutral stimulus is consistently paired with unconditioned stimulus so that is eventually produces a conditioned response

Question 3

What is operant conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through reinforcement of punishment- if a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence, then that behaviour is more likely to occur again in the future

Question 4

State the three types of consequences in operant conditioning

Answer 4

1. Positive reinforcement
2. Negative reinforcement
3. Punishment

Question 5

Name the researcher who proposed the two-process model

Answer 5

Orval Hobart Mowrer (1947)

Question 6

What is the two-process model

Answer 6

A theory that explained the two processes that lead to the development of phobias- they are acquired through classical conditioning and are maintained through operant conditioning

Question 7

State the research study that demonstrates the acquisition of a phobia through classical conditioning

Answer 7

Watson and Rayner (1920)- Little Albert

Question 8

State the NS, UCS, UR in Little Albert study

Answer 8

NS= white rat
UCS= loud noise
UCR- fear

Question 9

Explain how a phobia is maintained through operant conditioning

Answer 9

We successfully escape fear when we avoid the phobic stimulus and this acts as a negative reinforcement for avoidant behaviour and so makes it more likely for us to repeat the avoidance, which maintains the phobia

Question 10

What is extinction

Answer 10

The gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behaviour decreasing when a conditioned stimulus is not longer paired with an unconditioned stimulus