Phobias L3

The learning approaches:  

Social learning theory and the behaviorist approach both come under the entitlement ‘the learning approaches’ so if the exam question uses THAT terminology you can include both.

BUT if they are asked separately DON’T bring the other up. 

Behavioural Approach: 

The assumptions –  

• Concentrated on observable. 

• All behavior, normal or abnormal, is learnt through classical conditioning and operant conditioning.  

Classical Conditioning – Association i.e., little albert.  

Operant conditioning – Consequence, positive + negative reinforcement and punishment.  

Abnormal behavior can be learnt/unlearnt in the same way.  

Pros: 

• Can explain phobias. 

• It has effective treatments. 

• Lab experiments are scientific.  

Cons: 

• Reductionist ignores biological causes. 

• Deterministic. 

• Most research is done on animals.  

Social learning theory: 

Look at vicarious learning. 

P’s observed confederate (helper of researched i.e., model, bandura) receive shocks every time a buzzer sounded, they acted being in pain (twitching).  

P’s began to show fear response to the buzzer (vicarious learning). 

Triggering event –  

60% of people with a fear of dogs could relate it to an early experience but half of the control group did not have a phobia despite an unpleasant experience.