Psychological Approaches to Abnormality: Behavioural

Question 1

Outline the assumptions of the Behavioural model.

Answer 1

The model assumes that all behaviours are learned through experience, including abnormal behaviour. It only concentrates on observable behaviours, and believes that the mind is an unnecessary concept. The approach uses operant conditioning (learning by reinforcement) and classical conditioning (learning by association) to explain behaviours.

Question 2

Explain the social learning theory.

Answer 2

A theory that suggests people learn behaviours through observing the behaviour of role models. If someone observes their role model being rewarded for a certain behaviour, they may try to imitate the behaviour themselves to gain the same rewards. E.g, if a girl has a mother who is always getting praised for losing weight, they may try to lose weight too to get the same praise. This may lead to abnormality, such as bulimia or anorexia.

Question 3

What are the strengths of the behavioural model?

Answer 3

1. It has been experimentally tested and proven. E.g the Little Albert experiment proved that phobias can be conditioned.
2. Focuses on the present and not the past. Recognises the importance of our current environment and which means it is not culturally relative. Also good because many people cannot recall the past so it is best just to treat current symptoms.

Question 4

What are the limitations of the behavioural approach?

Answer 4

1. Classical and Operant conditioning are reductionist, they explain all behaviour purely in terms of conditioning (association/reinforcement) even though there is probably a cognitive element too.
2. There is counter evidence from other explanations. E.g - biological model’s explanation for schizophrenia is more accepted than the behavioural explanation. Leaves some blank spaces as to why some people cannot remember where their fears and phobias stem from.