explaining

• what approach explains phobias

  behavioural
• what does the behavioural approach use to explain phobias

  the two - process model
• how does someone acquire a phobia

  classical conditioning - UCS is linked to the NS which become associated and produce a UCR now called the CR
• how does someone maintain a phobia


  operant conditioning - avoidance of phobic stimulus negatively reinforced by anxiety reduction so phobia is maintained
• two strengths of the two process model

  1. real world application - phobias successfully treated by preventing avoidance
  2. research support - little Albert
• two limitations of the two process model

  1. fails to account for cognitive aspects (irrational beliefs) so is only a partial explanation
  2. doesn't explain innate phobias
• how was Little Albert conditioned to fear white rats

  through classical conditioning

  1. when Albert played with a white rat a loud noise (UCS) close to his ear which caused a fear response (UCR)
  2. the rat (NS) did not create fear until the bang and rat was paired several times
  3. Albert then showed a fear response (CR) every time he came into contact with the rat (CS)