The behavioural model concetrates
on observable behaviour. It focuses
on abnormal behaviour, which it
perceives as occurring through
classical conditioning, operant
conditioning and social learning.
Classical
conditioning.
Classical conditioning is a method of
learning where innate reflexes become
paired with innate become paired with
other stimuli through repeated association.
e.g. Learning
through association.
The case of Little Albert
- Classical Conditioning.
Albert was shown a variety
of stimuli, including a white
rat, a rabbit and some
cotton wool. He showed no
fear reaction to any.
A loud noise was made behind Albert,
making him cry. He was then given a
white rat to play with, and was unafraid.
As he reached for the rat, the
loud noise struck again. The
procedure was repeated three
times, and then variations
continued for three months.
Subsequently, when
shown the rat Albert
would cry and crawl
away. He was also
afraid of other white fluffy
objects such as a fur
coat and Santa's beard.
Conditioned responses,
including love, fear and phobias
are acquired as a direct result
of environmental experiences.
Operant
conditioning.
Operant conditioning is a method of
learning where the likelihood of a
behaviour occurring is increased or
decreased through the use of rewards.
e.g. Learning
through a
reward
system.
Frude -
Operant
Conditioning.
Frude found that
operant
conditioning could
act as a positive
reinforcement for
the continuation of
the dieting
process into
anorexia.
Social
learning.
Social learning
is a method of
learning
occurring through
the observation
and imitation of
others.
e.g. Learning
through a
role model.
Becker -
Social
Learning.
Before 1995, Fijian women
did not receive western
television. By 1998, 74% of
women said they were 'too
big' or 'fat' and had eating
disorders previously
unknown on the island.
Therapies.
Systematic
desensitisation.
Client is taught
deep muscle
relaxation
techniques.
The therapist
and client
discuss the
problem.
They
develop a
'fear
hierarchy'
of the
client's
phobia.
Jones used
SD to
eradicate
Little Peter's
fear of white
fluffy objects
using a
rabbit.