Phobia - anxiety disorder which interferes with daily living - irrational fear that produces a conscious avoidance of phobia
Classical conditioning
UCS - phobia
UCR - cry / scream
NS - characteristics of phobia
CS - UCS + NS
CR - phobia developing
operant conditioning
SLT
Strengths of learning theories as an explanation for phobias
supporting evidence - Watson and rayner - acquire fear response suggests even though learning theories do not provide full explanation for phobias, learning does take place
Learning theories good degree of Application for treating phobias in therapy - systematicdestination and flooding
Weaknesses of learning theories explaining phobias
cant explain some phenomena of acquiring phobias - seilgman - some phobias easily acquired- evolutionary component- pre-programmed to acquire fear
