AO1

• What is the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?

  It suggests that phobias develop due to classical and operant conditioning.
• What is the two process model in relation to phobias?

  It explains phobia origins through classical and operant conditioning.
• What does classical conditioning involve?

  Learning by association.
• How does classical conditioning relate to phobias?

  It allows individuals to associate a neutral stimulus with fear.
• Who is associated with the famous experiment involving Little Albert?

  John B. Watson.
• What did Little Albert learn to fear in the experiment?

  He learned to fear a previously liked animal due to a loud noise.
• What is operant conditioning based on?

  Reinforcement and punishment.
• How does negative reinforcement relate to phobias?

  It strengthens avoidance behavior by removing unpleasant stimuli.
• What is the role of the two process model in phobia maintenance?

  It explains how classical conditioning initiates fear and operant conditioning reinforces avoidance.
• How do some therapists use classical conditioning techniques?

  They attempt to change clients' behaviors through reconditioning.
• What is counterconditioning?

  Learning a new response to a previously feared stimulus.
• What is aversive conditioning?

  Using an unpleasant stimulus to stop an undesirable behavior.
• How does exposure therapy work?

  It presents clients with the feared object or situation to reduce anxiety.
• What are the principles of flooding and systematic desensitisation in treating phobias?

  • Flooding:
  • Exposes the individual to their fear directly.
  • Teaches relaxation techniques.
  • Aims to change fear associations.
  • Systematic Desensitisation:
  • Creates a fear hierarchy.
  • Gradually exposes the individual to feared stimuli.
  • Uses relaxation techniques to reduce distress.
• What is a limitation of flooding as a treatment for phobias?

  It can be very distressing for the individual during the early stages.
• How does systematic desensitisation differ from flooding?

  It is slower and less distressing for the individual.
• What is the goal of both flooding and systematic desensitisation?

  To associate relaxation with the feared stimulus instead of fear.
• What did Watson and Rayner aim to demonstrate in their study of phobias?

  That an irrational fear could be induced through classical conditioning.
• What was the procedure used to condition Little Albert's fear?

  He was exposed to a rat while a loud noise was made behind him.
• What is the unconditioned stimulus in Little Albert's experiment?

  The loud noise made by banging steel bars.
• What does Mowrer's two process model suggest about phobias?

  Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained by operant conditioning.
• How does avoidance behavior reinforce phobias according to Mowrer?

  It reduces fear and anxiety, reinforcing the avoidance behavior.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the two process model in explaining phobias?

  Strengths:

  • Explains how phobias are maintained over time.
  • Has important implications for therapy.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Does not account for evolutionary factors in phobia development.
  • Cannot explain phobias that develop without trauma.
  • Lacks consideration of cognitive elements influencing behavior.
• What is biological preparedness in relation to phobias?

  It is the innate predisposition to acquire certain fears based on evolutionary history.
• How can phobias develop without a traumatic experience?

  They may be learned from others through observation and vicarious reinforcement.
• What cognitive elements are missing from the two process model?

  It does not explain the role of thought processes in influencing behavior.
• What was the initial response of Little Albert to the white rat?

  He showed no fear.
• What happened to Albert's response to the rat after conditioning?

  He became frightened whenever he saw the rat.
• What is generalization in the context of Little Albert's conditioning?

  His fear extended to similar objects after conditioning.
• What does the two process model explain about phobias?

  It explains how phobias can be maintained over time
• Why is exposure to the feared stimulus important in therapy?

  It prevents reinforcement of avoidance behavior
• What happens when a patient stops practicing avoidance behavior?

  The behavior ceases to be reinforced and declines
• What is a strength of the two process model?

  Its application to therapy for phobias
• What alternative motivation is suggested for avoidance behavior in complex phobias?

  Positive feelings of safety rather than anxiety reduction
• Who conducted research indicating that agoraphobia patients can leave with trusted individuals?

  Buck (2010)
• What does the two process model suggest about avoidance behavior?

  It is motivated by anxiety reduction
• What does Bouton argue about the two factor theory and phobias?

  It does not consider evolutionary factors
• What term did Seligman use to describe the innate predisposition to acquire certain fears?

  Biological preparedness
• Why is it rare to develop fears of modern dangers like cars or guns?

  They are not part of our evolutionary past
• What limitation does the two process model have regarding phobias?

  It oversimplifies the acquisition of phobias