Behaviourist explanation of phobias

• What is the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?

  It focuses on classical and operant conditioning
• What is the two-process model in treating phobias?

  It includes classical and operant conditioning
• What is systematic desensitisation?

  A treatment method for phobias using gradual exposure
• What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?

  A treatment method involving immediate exposure to fear
• What are the characteristics of depression?

  Behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics
• What is Beck's negative triad in explaining depression?

  Negative views of self, world, and future
• What is Ellis's ABC model in explaining depression?

  Activating event, beliefs, consequences
• How does cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) treat depression?

  By challenging irrational thoughts
• What are the characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

  Behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics
• What are the genetic explanations for OCD?

  OCD can be inherited through genetic factors
• What are the neural explanations for OCD?

  Involves brain structures and neurotransmitters
• What is drug therapy in treating OCD?

  Using medication to manage symptoms
• How do phobias develop through classical conditioning?

  Association of neutral stimulus with unconditioned stimulus
• How does operant conditioning maintain phobias?

  Through negative reinforcement of avoidance behavior
• What is the role of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

  It increases the likelihood of behavior repetition
• What are the behavioural characteristics of a phobia?

  Avoidance, endurance, and panic responses
• How did Little Albert's phobia develop?

  Through classical conditioning with a loud noise
• What is the significance of Watson and Rayner's research?

  It supports the two-process model of phobias
• What are the practical applications of the two-process model?

  It informs therapies like flooding and desensitization
• What is a limitation of the two-process model?

  It may not account for evolutionary factors
• What is biological preparedness in phobias?

  Innate tendencies to develop certain phobias
• What is an alternative explanation for avoidance behavior?

  Faulty cognitions leading to irrational fears
• How does the two-process model simplify the explanation of phobias?

  It reduces complex factors to conditioning processes
• What are the key terms related to the behavioural approach to phobias?

  • Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
  • Unconditioned response (UCR)
  • Neutral stimulus (NS)
  • Conditioned stimulus (CS)
  • Conditioned response (CR)
  • Generalization
• Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias.

  • A01: Two-process model (classical and operant conditioning)
  • A03 Strength: Supporting research (Watson & Rayner)
  • A03 Strength: Practical applications (flooding, SD)
  • A03 Weakness: Reductionist (ignores cognitive factors)
  • A03 Weakness: Incomplete (not all phobias are learned)