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The Evolutionary Theory of Phobias

The Evolutionary Theory of Phobias. BATs - Evaluate the Behaviourist Theory of phobias (C+) - Outline and evaluate the evolutionary theory for explaining phobias (C+) - compare the behaviourist and evolutionary theories of phobias (B+). Behaviourist theory of phobias.

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The Evolutionary Theory of Phobias

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  1. The Evolutionary Theory of Phobias BATs - Evaluate the Behaviourist Theory of phobias (C+) - Outline and evaluate the evolutionary theory for explaining phobias (C+) - compare the behaviourist and evolutionary theories of phobias (B+)

  2. Behaviourist theory of phobias • All behaviours, including phobias, are learnt. • In other words, phobias are conditioned. • Phobias start because of classical conditioning. • Phobias are maintained (kept going) by operant conditioning.

  3. UCS CR NS CS UCR Unconditioned stimulus Conditioned response Neutral stimulus Conditioned stimulus Unconditioned stimulus Can you identify these key terms from classical conditioning?

  4. If you had Arachnophobia how could you explain it using Classical conditioning? UCS UCR NS CS CR

  5. If you had Arachnophobia how could you explain it using Classical conditioning? UCS UCR FEAR Being Bitten NS Spider CS CR Spider FEAR

  6. Evaluating the Behaviourist Theory Criticisms • It ignores the thinking behind phobias – it is not just about having a bad experience but also about how we thinkabout it (rationally or irrationally). • People have phobias of objects or situations that they have had no experience of. So they must learn to have that phobia from others e.g.Parents. • It ignores the idea that phobias may be more instinctive than learnt. Evolutionary theorysuggests that we have an innate tendency to fear objects or situations that threaten our survival.

  7. Evolutionary Theory of phobias This theory proposes the idea of preparedness – we are ready to fear certain things more than others if they threaten our chances of surviving. Why would we be prepared to fear the following? • rodents • flying • the dark • Closed spaces • heights

  8. Evolutionary Theory of phobias • Read p 70-71 The Alternative Theory: Evolutionary Theory • Fill the meaning of these key terms into your Glossary.. • Evolutionary Theory • add in – Preparedness • Answer these questions .. • Why do we need a sense of fear? • Which type of animals does Evolutionary theory suggest we find most frightening? Why • Why might it be more difficult to get rid of phobias that threat our survival? • How does preparedness help us to survive? • Why don’t we have phobias of guns, cigarettes, electricity?

  9. Lets test the Theory!! • Have a go at Activity 5.8 p71 • You can choose 10 different animal pictures • Make up a rating scale. • Do a survey to find out how frightened the class is of these animals • Draw a graph (extension – calculate averages) • Describe your findings in words • Do your findings support the Evolutionary Theory?

  10. Compare the Behaviourist and Evolutionary Theories • Use the ‘2 hand approach’ to compare the 2 theories Evolutionary Theory of Phobias Behaviourist Theory of Phobias BUT, on the other hand …

  11. Holiday Homework • Use the revision booklet – I will mark it!! • Fill in all the glossary sheets used so far • Catch up on any work missed Remember – Exam on May18th!!!

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