Explanations

Question 1

Which approach is used to explain phobias?

Answer 1

Behavioural

Question 2

What is the explanation for phobias?

Answer 2

Mowrer’s two process model

Question 3

What is step one of the two process model?

Answer 3

• Classical conditioning (acquiring phobias)
• an association is made between a neutral stimuli (NS) and unconditioned stimulus (UCS) turning the NS into an conditioned stimulus (CS)

Question 4

What is step two of the two process model?

Answer 4

• Operant conditioning (maintaining the phobia)
• avoidance of phobic object reinforces fear
• negative reinforcer - the more they avoid the more likely they are to maintain the avoidance behaviour
• this maintains the phobia

Question 5

What is stimulus generalisation?

What is higher order conditioning?

Answer 5

• Stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus will also be avoided -> person generalises them both
• neutral stimulus is modified but phobia/response stays

Question 6

Summarise evaluations of the explanation of phobias

Answer 6

• research to support - Watson and Raynor’s Little Albert study - gives theory validity
• not all traumatic events lead to phobias
• good practical applications for treating phobias
• theory is environmentally reductionist - phobias are more complex then stimuli and response
• alternative explanation - biological approach

Question 7

Which approach is used to explain OCD?

Answer 7

Biological

Question 8

What are the explanations for OCD?

Answer 8

• Genetic explanations

- Neural explanations

Question 9

What is the genetic explanation?

Answer 9

Genetic evidence shows that first-degree relatives of people with OCD have a greater chance of developing the disorder. Nedstadt found that first-degree relatives have a 12% chance compared to the 3% risk to the general public

Question 10

What is the neural explanation?

Answer 10

• Looks at neurotransmitters being the cause
• Low Serotonin - serotonin prevents repetitive behaviour, so low levels can be linked to compulsions
• High Dopamine- creates an expectation for reward, the unfulfilled expectation links to an anxious feeling (linked to obsession) and an urge to fill the void (compulsion)

Question 11

Summarise evaluations of the genetic explanation for OCD

Answer 11

• Research to support - Nedstadt found a 67% concordance rate for identical twins and a 31% for fraternal twins
• but genes cannot be the only factor as identical twins only have a 67% concordance rate
• promotes psychology as a scientific discipline - genes can objectively and reliably be studied
• Biologically reductionist - ignores other factors such as childhood trauma

Question 12

Summarise evaluations of the neural explanation for OCD

Answer 12

• Research support - Ursu + Carter, monitored brain activity in 15 OCD patients, found hyperactivity in the prefrontal cortex
• Good practical applications - drugs such as Valium and prozac work by changing neurochemical imbalance
• Link between OCD and brain abnormality is just a correlation, we cannot establish cause and effect