Behaviourist Approach to Explaining Phobias

Question 1

Outline the 1st A01

Answer 1

A01 - Two-process model

• According the the behaviourist approach, abnormal behaviour can be caused by classical conditioning, operant conditioning and the social learning theory
• Mowrer (1947) proposed a two-process model which states that phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning

Question 2

Outline the 2nd A01

Answer 2

A01 - Classical conditioning

• Classical conditioning is a process of learning by associating two stimuli together to condition (learn) a response
• According to this theory, phobias can be acquired through associative learning
• CC can explain how we can learn how to associate a neutral stimulus with a fear-triggering stimulus