Learning Psychology

Question 1

Key Issue

Answer 1

“Should airline companies/airports offer treatment programmes to passengers with a fear of flying?”

Question 2

Key issue-why is fear of flying an issue? (A01)

Answer 2

16% of people have a fear of flying (aviophobia)
people are not able to go on holiday/see family abroad
airlines could make more money-more people will travel abroad after treatment
easyjet offers treatments
Manchester Airport-psychologist carries out systematic desensitisation sessions for those with aviophobia

Question 3

Key issue-fear of flying linked to the learning approach (A02)-CLASSICAL CONDITIONING

Answer 3

Explaining fear: associating a bad experience with plane, e.g. UCS (turbulence) > UCR (fear) > UCS (turbulence) + NS (plane) > UCR (fear) > CS (plane) CR (fear)
Treating fear: systematic desensitisation-slowly and gradually exposing person to fear over sessions, using a hierarchy of fear (least-most anxiety provoking situation), relaxation training

Question 4

Key issue-fear of flying linked to the learning approach (A02)-OPERANT CONDITIONING

Answer 4

Explaining fear: taking themselves away from a bad situation and rewarding themselves by not going on an aeroplane (negative reinforcement=removing an aversive stimulus)
Treating fear: rewards for going on a plane (positive reinforcement)

Question 5

Key issue-fear of flying linked to the learning approach (A02)-SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Answer 5

Explaining fear: a child observing a role model (parent) having a fear of flying and imitating that behaviour/observing role models in the media
Treating fear: observing a role model close to you enjoying a flight and then imitating that behaviour/good experiences of flying on the TV