Behaviourist Approach To Explaining Phobias Flashcards
Who proposed the two process model to explain phobias are learnt through classical and operant conditioning
Mower
Explain classical conditioning in behaviourist approach to explain phobias
A phobia is learnt through association
Eg Watson and Rayner little Albert
White rat(NS) - no response
Loud noise (UCS) - fear (UCR)
Loud noise (UCS) + white rat (NS)- fear (UCR)
White rat(CS) - fear (CR)
What is the aim of Watson and Ryaner study
To investigate whether a fear response could be learnt through classical conditioning
What is the procedure and findings of Watson and Rayner study
Pps= 11 month old called little Albert
- before experiment Albert shown no response to white rat
- they struck a metal bar with a hammer we behind Albert’s head causing a loud noise which startled him
- every time Albert went to reach the white rat they struck a metal bar with a hammer 3 times
Findings
Whenever they shown little Albert the white rat he began to cry
Describe operant conditioning in the behaviourist approach to explain phobias
Phobias are maintained through operant conditioning
Phobias are negatively reinforced
- a behaviour is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed eg escaping phobias reduces fear so is reinforced
AO3
+ research to support by Bandura
- model acted as if he was in pain when heard the buzzer- pps observed then shown fear to buzzer
— seligman - ignores evolution so its reductionist
- he says we’re genetically programmed to learn association between life threatening stimuli and fear- ancient fears ie snakes we have been adapted to avoid them
— two process model ignores cognitive factors
- phobias develop due to irrational thinking- someone trapped in lift thinks they will suffocate causing anxiety so triggers phobia
+ good explanatory power
-explains maintenance of phobia - shows importance of exposing phobia to patient as it prevents negative reinforcement of avoidance- not actually harmless
