Psychopathology

Question 1

the two process model explanation of phobias ( a behavioural explanation)

Answer 1

• developed by mowrer in the 1960s
• based on the learning principles of behaviourism
• acquisition of phobias -> classical conditioning with a phobic stimulus
  ucs –> ucr
  cs + ucs –> ucr
  cs –> cr
  the conditioning is then generalised to similar objects
• maintenance -> operant conditioning
  positive / negative reinforcement
• avoiding the phobic stimulus reduces anxiety

Question 2

little albert study - the two process model explanation of phobias

Answer 2

• watson and raynor
• albert presented with a white rat
• made a loud, scary noise whenever albert was presented with the rat by banging an iron rod close to his ear
• classical conditioning occurred
• gave albert other fluffy white objects e.g. cotton, a non - white rabbit, to which albert showed distress - showing how the phobia became GENERALISED
• ethical issues - psychological harm so today the study would not take place - lacks relevance to today’s society

Question 3

evaluation of the two process model explanation of phobias