Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias

Question 1

What does the two-process model say about phobias?

Answer 1

Phobias are developed through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Question 2

What is classical conditioning in the context of phobias?

Answer 2

A neutral stimulus (e.g. dogs) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus like something scary (e.g. being bitten), creating an unconditioned fear response.

Question 3

What happens to the neutral stimulus in classical conditioning?

Answer 3

The neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus that now causes conditioned response of fear, and fear generalisation occurs.

Question 4

What is operant conditioning in the context of phobias?

Answer 4

Avoiding the feared object reduces fear (negative reinforcement), so the person keeps avoiding it.

Question 5

What is the effect of avoidance on fear?

Answer 5

This avoidance prevents the fear from going away, so fear extinction can’t occur.

Question 6

What is one strength of the two-process model?

Answer 6

The Little Albert study showed how a baby was conditioned to fear a white rat after it was repeatedly paired with a loud noise.

Albert also became scared of similar things (e.g. white rabbit), showing fear generalisation. This supports the idea that phobias can be learned through classical conditioning.

Question 7

What is one limitation of the two-process model?

Answer 7

It is too environmentally reductionist, focusing only on learning from the environment and ignoring thinking and beliefs.

Research shows 50% of people bitten by dogs don’t develop a dog phobia, suggesting other factors like personal interpretation or past experience (schemas) play a role.

Question 8

What is another limitation of the two-process model?

Answer 8

It ignores nature (biological factors), assuming all phobias come from learning.

Evolutionary psychologists say we may be born more likely to fear things that once threatened survival (e.g. snakes), explaining phobias that develop without a traumatic event.

Question 9

What is another strength of the two-process model?

Answer 9

It led to effective treatments like systematic desensitisation (counterconditioning) and flooding.

These help people unlearn their fear or stop avoiding the feared object, supporting the model.