Describe and evaluate the use of the behavioural approach explaining phobias. This is essentially a full 16-mark question which is all you need for the exam, you can also use it to answer all 4,6,8, 12 mark questions in the exam all you have to do is break it down.
describe and evaluate the use of the behavioural approach explaining phobias
Libro relacionado
Título del libro:
Autor(es):
Edición:
ISBN:
Edición:
Más resúmenes para
Psychology Paper 1 AQA notes
Full notes for approaches
Psychopathology notes
Todos para este libro de texto (43)
Escuela, estudio y materia
A/AS Level
AQA
Psychology
Psychopathology
Todos documentos para esta materia (440)
13
reseñas
Por: sunyaali28 • 4 meses hace
Por: shannonblack107 • 1 año hace
Por: fpatel2398 • 1 año hace
Por: howeaimee165 • 1 año hace
Por: lidyagebre49 • 1 año hace
Por: meganlunn19 • 2 año hace
Por: kayzad • 2 año hace
Mostrar mas comentarios
Vendedor
Seguir
Zedzpsychology
Comentarios recibidos
Vista previa del contenido
Describe and evaluate the use of the behavioural approach explaining phobias (16 marks).
Mowrer (1960) proposed the two-process model, which explains phobias through the
behaviourist explanation and suggests that two processes lead to the development of
phobias, they are acquired by classical conditioning and are maintained by operant
conditioning.
Classical conditioning involves learning to associate something we have no fear (neutral
stimuli) with something that already triggers a fear a (unconditioned stimuli). John Watson
(1920) carried out a study to show a fear of rats could be conditioned in ‘Little Albert.’
Whenever Albert was playing with a white rat (NS) a loud noise (UCS) was made, which
caused a fear response (UCR). Then over time the loud noise became paired with the rat and
created a fear response towards the rat (CR). Albert then showed a fear response (CR) every
time he came into contact with the rat the conditioned stimuli (CS). This conditioning then
generalised into similar object (stimuli), ‘Little Albert ‘showed fear in response to other
white furry objects.
Mover then explained phobias are maintained as a result of Operant conditioning and this
takes place when our behaviour is reinforced or punished. For example, when a phobic
avoids a phobic stimulus (negative reinforcement) they escape the anxiety that they would
have experienced if they had encountered it. As a result, this reduction in fear negatively
reinforces the avoidance behaviour and the phobia is maintained.
A strength of two process model is it has good explanatory power. This is as it not only
explains how we get phobias, but also shows how we maintain them overtime and as a
result it has important implications for therapy. For example, if a patient is prevented from
practising their avoidance behaviour the phobic behaviour declines. Moreover, the two-
process model goes way beyond Watson and Raynor’s simple classical conditioning
explanation of phobias. Thus, this application to therapy is strength of the two-process
model.
A strength of the behaviourist explanation to phobias is there is evidence to support it. For
example, Watson and Raynor conditioned Albert to associate a white rat (NS) with a loud
noise (UCS) by repeatedly pairing the white rat with the loud noise. Following this
conditioning process Albert developed a fear (CR) of white rats. Thus, this supports the idea
that abnormal behaviour such as phobias are learnt through classical conditioning.
A limitation of the two-process model is that it doesn’t explain that not all bad experiences
lead to phobias. For example, some individuals cannot recall a traumatic incident that
triggered the onset of their phobia. This suggests that other processes must have caused the
development of a phobia apart from classical conditioning. Thus, the behaviourist
explanations have been criticised for being too simplistic.
Another limitation of the two-process model is that it doesn’t consider the cognitive aspects
of phobias. The behaviourist explanation is focused towards explaining behaviour rather
than cognition (thinking) in the formation of phobias and cognitive psychologist suggest that
phobias may develop due to irrational thinking, not just learning. For example, a
Los beneficios de comprar resúmenes en Stuvia estan en línea:
Garantiza la calidad de los comentarios
Compradores de Stuvia evaluaron más de 700.000 resúmenes. Así estas seguro que compras los mejores documentos!
Compra fácil y rápido
Puedes pagar rápidamente y en una vez con iDeal, tarjeta de crédito o con tu crédito de Stuvia. Sin tener que hacerte miembro.
Enfócate en lo más importante
Tus compañeros escriben los resúmenes. Por eso tienes la seguridad que tienes un resumen actual y confiable.
Así llegas a la conclusión rapidamente!
Preguntas frecuentes
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
100% de satisfacción garantizada: ¿Cómo funciona?
Nuestra garantía de satisfacción le asegura que siempre encontrará un documento de estudio a tu medida. Tu rellenas un formulario y nuestro equipo de atención al cliente se encarga del resto.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Zedzpsychology. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for 8,56 €. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
