Behavioural approach to explaining phobias

Created by: Devanshi9699
Created on: 27-03-16 13:38

What does the two-process model consist of?

1). Classical Conditioning 2).Operant Conditoning

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What is classical conditioning?

Learning through association by pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously natural stimulus

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How does classical conditioning explain phobias?

When a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a frightening unconditioned stimulus, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned one and the fear of it is the conditioned response, hence causing a phobia

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How does operant conditioning explain phobias?

The phobia is maintained by avoiding the phobic stimulus through negative reinforcement. The unpleasant consequence is prevented by avoiding any situations which involve the phobic stimulus

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Who developed the two-process model?

Mowrer (1960)

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Outline one strength of this model

Allows effective treatments for phobias as it suggests that phobias can be unlearned through conditioning (same way as they were learned)

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Outline one criticism of this model

Fails to consider cognitive factors (e.g. thought processes)

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Outline Watson and Rayner's (1920) research

Attempted to condition phobia of rats into 11 month old baby, Little Albert. Whenever Little Albert reached for the rat, a loud noise would be made. After a while, Albert would begin to cry when shown the rat.

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Evaluate Watson and Rayner's (1920) research

Ethical Issues. Lacks ecological validity. Lacks population validity

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is classical conditioning?

Back

Learning through association by pairing a response naturally caused by one stimulus with another, previously natural stimulus

Card 3

Front

How does classical conditioning explain phobias?

Back

Card 4

Front

How does operant conditioning explain phobias?

Back

Card 5

Front

Who developed the two-process model?

Back

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Behavioural approach to explaining phobias