The Behavioural Approach to Explaining Phobias

Question 1

What is the ‘Behaviorists Approach’?

Answer 1

• A way of explaining behavioral in terms what is observable and in terms of learning

Question 2

What is the ‘two-process model’?

Answer 2

• An explanation to phobias which suggests that they are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Question 3

What is ‘Classical Conditioning’?

Answer 3

• ‘Learning through association’
• It occurs when an UCS AND a NS are repeatedly paired together. The NS eventually produces the same response as the UCS which produces the reaction of a CS producing a CR.

Question 4

What is ‘Operant Conditioning’?

Answer 4

• A form of leaning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.

Question 5

Give an example of the ‘two process model’.

Answer 5

• Pain (UCS) results in fear (UCR)
• Pain (UCS) is paired with a dog being present (NS) which results in fear (UCR)
• The dog (CS) is then conditioned to result in fear (CR)