Learning Psychology and Social Control

Intro Statement:

Social control is trying to change the behaviour of another individual

Point 1:

AO1: Learning theories break down behaviour into basic stimulus and response pairings which can be a positive form of social control such as reward charts for when a child behaves. However, this can lead to negative forms of social control like coercion if bad behaviours are rewarded.

AO3: Watson and Rayner installed a fear of White furry objects into Little Albert after he underwent classical conditioning of a loud noise and a white rat. The same principles can be used condition society to buy products through advertising which associates a product with positive outcomes.

Point 2:

AO1: The treatment of phobias is also a positive form of social control. Some people learn to fear harmless things so, systematic desensitisation can be used to control behaviour by removing fears and allowing individuals to function in a more normal way.

AO3: Gilroy 2003 found a significant reduction in arachnophobia of patients that had three sessions of SD comp to patient who were only given relaxation techniques. This is a positive form of social control as it regulates an individuals behaviour aim to eradicate their fear allowing them to lead a normal life

Concluding Statement:

Overall learning psychology is a positive form of social control as it allows people to lead stressfree lives and have correct social behaviour.