Phobias

How are phobias formed according to Behaviorism

• Genes

• Learned via classical conditioning

• Faulty brain structures

• Learned via operant conditioning

Study to support that classical conditioning leads to the development of a phobia forming

• Little Tom

• Little Charlie

• Little Steve

• Little Albert

Which 3 can be used as challenges to the Behaviourist theory

• Mix of nature (overactive ANS) and frightening event (nurture)

• Behaviourist theory is criticised for ignoring the role of the conscious mind.

• Evolutionary psychologists argue that we are genetically prepared to fear certain things for survival

• Phobias are created via repression of the fear into the unconscious mind

How are phobias maintained according to Behaviorism

• Genes

• Classical conditioning

• Faulty brain structures

• Operant conditioning - negative reinforcement

The Behaviourist approach supports ....

• Nature

• Nurture

• Mix of nature and nurture

The Behaviourist approach put forward the...

• One process model

• Two process model

• Three process model

• Four process model

Two additional pieces of support for the Behaviourist explanation of how phobias are formed.

• Mowrer - animals have been classically conditioned to develop phobias.

• Over reactive ANS

• Role of the conscious mind

• 60% of people with a phobia of dogs can remember a bad experience with a dog

What was the rat during the conditioning process in the Little Albert study?

• Neutral Stimulus (NS)

• Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

• Unconditioned response (UCR)

What was the loud banging sound during the conditioning process in the Little Albert study?

• Neutral Stimulus (NS)

• Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

• Unconditioned response (UCR)

After conditioning what did the rat become in the Little Albert study?

• Conditioned stimulus (CS)

• Conditioned response (CR)

• Neutral stimulus (NS)

• Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)