Behavioural Explanations for Phobias

What is the main argument of behaviourism regarding the acquisition of behaviour?

• Behaviour is innate and not influenced by the environment.

• Behaviour is learned through interactions with the environment.

• Behaviour is solely determined by genetic factors.

• Behaviour is a result of cognitive processes.

Which study is famously associated with demonstrating classical conditioning in relation to phobias?

• Skinner's experiment with pigeons

• Watson and Rayner's Little Albert study

• Bandura's Bobo doll experiment

• Milgram's obedience study

According to Mowrer's two-process model, how are phobias acquired?

• Through operant conditioning

• Through observational learning

• Through classical conditioning

• Through cognitive restructuring

In the context of phobias, what role does operant conditioning play according to Mowrer?

• It helps in the acquisition of phobias.

• It maintains phobias through avoidance behaviour.

• It eliminates phobias through exposure.

• It has no role in phobias.

What is an example of stimulus generalisation as seen in the Little Albert study?

• Little Albert only feared the white rat.

• Little Albert feared all animals.

• Little Albert feared other fluffy, furry objects.

• Little Albert was not afraid of anything else.

Which of the following is a limitation of the behaviourist explanation for phobias?

• It ignores the role of biological preparedness.

• It overemphasises cognitive factors.

• It is not supported by empirical research.

• It cannot be applied to therapy.

What is biological preparedness?

• The idea that all fears are learned through experience.

• The concept that some fears are innate and evolutionarily advantageous.

• The belief that phobias are solely a result of cognitive distortions.

• The theory that phobias are maintained by positive reinforcement.

Which therapy is based on behaviourist principles to treat phobias?

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Systematic desensitisation

• Psychoanalysis

• Humanistic therapy

What is a strength of the behaviourist explanation for phobias?

• It provides a comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes.

• It has been successfully applied in therapeutic settings.

• It accounts for genetic predispositions.

• It explains all types of phobias equally well.

How does negative reinforcement contribute to the maintenance of phobias?

• By increasing exposure to the feared object.

• By providing relief from anxiety through avoidance.

• By encouraging confrontation with the fear.

• By eliminating the fear response entirely.