Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias: Two Process Model

Question 1

What does the two process model used for phobias assume

Answer 1

Assumes behaviour is learned thought experience via environmental stimuli

Question 2

Two process involved in behaviourism

Answer 2

Classical conditioning - learning though association
Operant conditioning - learning though consequence

Question 3

Steps of two process model with phobias

Answer 3

Step 1 - phobias are acquired through classical conditioning
Step
Step 2 - phobias are maintained through operant conditioning

Question 4

Example of classical conditioning with phobias

Answer 4

Developing a fear of bind bit by a dog
Being bit (uc) - fear (ur)
Being bit + dog - fear (ur)
Dog (cs) - fear (cr)

Question 5

Example of operant conditioning with phobias

Answer 5

Person goes put of their way to avoid dogs - negative reinforcement
More person avoids dogs more feeding of relief - potive reinforcement so ill continue to repeat

Question 6

Research evidence of two process model

Answer 6

Case study of little Albert (Watson and Rayners)
Was presented with white lab rat - no response
Pair rat with loud bang - bang scares Albert
When presented to rat without bang Albert displayed fear
The rat became Cs producing cr so the findings suggest phobias was established via classical conditioning

Question 7

Strength of two process model

Answer 7

Practical application
Therapies have derived from the two process model such as
- systematic desensitisation, flooding
- which work to reverse this process to successfully treat phobias
This means tpm has useful application to treating phobias
Allows for economic implications as it benefits the econom

Question 8

Limitations of two process model
- external validity

Answer 8

Can explain why some people may not have continuous aversive experiences and yet do not develop a phobia
Eg someone might be bitten by a do as a kid but dont develop a phobia
This means it lacks external validity

Question 9

Limitation of two process model for explaining phobias

Answer 9

Ignores cognitive factors
Phobias may develop as the consequence of irrational thinking
This makes the tpm enviromental reductionism because it’s is too simplistic assuming nature if phobias is solely result of conditioning