Explanation of Phobias

• What is the behavioural approach?

  A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
• What is classical conditioning?

  Learning through association. A neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually produces a conditioned response
• What is operant conditioning?

  Learning through consequences. If a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence then that behaviour is more likely to occur again in the future.
• What is the two-process model?

  A theory that explains the two processes that lead to the development of phobias - they begin through classical conditioning and are maintained through operant conditioning
• What study demonstrates the acquisition of a phobia through classical conditioning?

  Watson and Rayner (1920)- Little Albert
• What is the neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus in the study of Little Albert?

  NS= White rat UCS= Loud noise
• What is the unconditioned response in the study of Little Albert?

  Fear
• How is a phobia maintained through operant conditioning?

  x We successfully escape fear when we avoid phobic stimulus x This acts as a negative reinforcement for avoidance behaviour and so more likely to repeat it= maintaining of phobia
• What are the three types of consequences in operant conditioning?

  Negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement and punishment
• What is extinction?

  The gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behaviour decreasing when a CS is no longer paired with an UCS