Flooding and Systematic Desensitization Techniques

This video lecture for Psych 370 students covers the applications of classical conditioning, focusing on its use in treating phobias. It begins with an introduction to classical conditioning and its significance beyond just an interesting phenomenon. The lecture discusses the famous Little Albert experiment by John Watson, illustrating how fears can be learned. It then explores counter conditioning through Mary Cover Jones' work with a boy named Peter, and systematic desensitization developed by Joseph Wolpe. The lecture also covers flooding and graded exposure as treatment methods for phobias, highlighting their effectiveness and differences. The session concludes with a brief mention of the next lecture topic on classical conditioning in advertising.

What is one of the key areas where classical conditioning is applied?

• Psychological disorders

• Quantum physics

• Genetic engineering

• Astrophysics

In the Little Albert experiment, what was the conditioned stimulus?

• A fur coat

• A loud noise

• A white rat

• A rabbit

What concept explains why Little Albert feared objects similar to the white rat?

• Extinction

• Generalization

• Discrimination

• Spontaneous recovery

What technique did Mary Cover Jones use to treat Peter's fear of rabbits?

• Flooding

• Systematic desensitization

• Counter conditioning

• Aversion therapy

What is the first step in systematic desensitization?

• Imaginal exposure

• Creating a fear hierarchy

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• In Vivo exposure

Which of the following is NOT a component of systematic desensitization?

• Relaxation techniques

• Fear hierarchy

• Counter conditioning

• Prolonged exposure

What is a major advantage of flooding over systematic desensitization?

• It is less intense

• It requires no therapist

• It is faster

• It uses relaxation techniques

What is a key feature of graded exposure?

• Use of medication to reduce anxiety

• Immediate exposure to the most feared object

• Avoidance of the feared object

• Gradual exposure to feared stimuli

Which method combines aspects of both flooding and systematic desensitization?

• Cognitive restructuring

• Graded exposure

• Aversion therapy

• Counter conditioning

What is the primary goal of flooding in treating phobias?

• To pair the phobic object with a positive stimulus

• To gradually introduce the phobic object

• To extinguish the fear response through prolonged exposure

• To use medication to reduce fear