Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias

Question 1

What does the two process model say?

Answer 1

Phobias are learnt though a negative or traumatic event
—> acquired through classical
conditioning and maintained
through operant conditioning

Question 2

How are phobias acquired

Answer 2

Classical conditioning
• Little Albert study (RESEARCH)
—> White rat and steel bar

Question 3

How are phobias maintained

Answer 3

Those will a phobia will avoid phobic stimulus which reduces anxiety
—> negative reinforcement

Question 4

What is an ISSUE with the two process model

Answer 4

Some people have negative experiences without developing a phobia
• Dinardo found Ps with a phobia of
dog had same num of fearful of
events as those w/o phobia
—> not everyone learns phobia
through negative events; another
reason not considered

Question 5

Whit is an APPLICATION of two process model

Answer 5

Development of systematic desensitisation and flooding

Question 6

What is an ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION of two process model

Answer 6

Biological Preparedness
• Phobias developed as they were useful in evolutionary past
—> those with Fear of snakes more
likely to survive and pass on genes