The therapist used a hierarchy of stimuli, starting with buttons that were furthest from the child's phobia (e.g., buttons on a picture) and gradually working towards buttons that were more similar to the child's phobia (e.g., buttons on a garment).
Learning Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Learning Approach
Learning Approach to Psychology: How We Learn and Unlearn
The learning approach suggests that all behavior, including our thoughts, feelings, and actions, is learned through experience. This means we're not born with a set personality or predisposition, but rather, we develop these traits based on our interactions with the world.
1. Classical Conditioning: Learning by Association
-Think Pavlov's Dog: You know how dogs salivate when they see food? Well, Pavlov discovered that if you pair a neutral stimulus (like a bell) with the food, the dog will eventually learn to associate the bell with food and start salivating at just the sound of the bell. This is called classical conditioning.
-Real world examples:
- Fear of dentists: A painful experience at the dentist can create a phobia of the dentist's office, even if the actual tools and procedures are not inherently scary.
- Brand loyalty: Associating a positive feeling (like joy or relaxation) with a specific brand through advertising can lead to brand loyalty.
2. Operant Conditioning: Learning by Consequences
-Think Rewards and Punishments: We're more likely to repeat behaviors that are rewarded (think getting an A on a test) and less likely to repeat behaviors that are punished (think getting grounded for breaking curfew). This is called operant conditioning.
-Real world examples:
- Studying for exams: If you get good grades by studying for exams, you're more likely to study for future exams.
- Training a dog: Giving a dog a treat when it sits on command reinforces that behavior, making it more likely to sit in the future.
3. Social Learning: Learning by Observation
-Think Role Models: We learn by observing the behavior of others, especially those we admire or respect. We then model our own behavior after theirs. This is called social learning.
-Real world examples:
- Learning a new skill: Watching someone skillfully play a game like basketball can make you more likely to try and learn how to play yourself.
- Picking up habits: If you see your friends constantly checking their phones, you might find yourself doing the same even if you consciously try to avoid it.
4. The Hierarchy of Stimuli: Overcoming Fears
-Think Gradual Exposure: The example you provided is a fantastic example of how the learning approach can help overcome phobias. The therapist uses a hierarchy of stimuli, starting with the least scary (buttons on a picture) and gradually exposing the child to more scary stimuli (buttons on a garment). This is called systematic desensitization and is a form of exposure therapy.
-Real world examples:
- Fear of heights: A therapist might start by having the person stand on a low step, then gradually move them to higher and higher platforms while practicing relaxation techniques.
- Fear of public speaking: A therapist might start by having the person practice their speech in front of a mirror, then a small group of friends, and gradually work up to a larger audience.
5. The Learning Approach in Action: Real-World Applications
The learning approach is used extensively in therapy to help people overcome phobias, anxieties, and other behavioral problems.
It's also used in education to help students learn new concepts and improve their behavior.
Even in parenting, understanding the learning approach can be helpful in guiding and shaping a child's behavior.
Important Note: This is just a basic overview of the learning approach. There are many more complex and nuanced aspects to this theory, but this should give you a good starting point for understanding how we learn and unlearn behaviors.
Bonus Notes
Psychology Essay Questions: Phobias & Exposure Therapy
1. Stimulus Hierarchy & Phobia Reduction:
A stimulus hierarchy is a graduated series of exposure situations, ranging from least to most anxiety-provoking, related to the feared stimulus. The therapist guides the client through these levels, starting with the least anxiety-provoking and gradually progressing upward. This gradual exposure helps the child to habituate to the feared stimulus, reducing fear and anxiety through repeated exposure in a safe environment.
2. Limitations of Stimulus Hierarchy:
⭐Individual Variability: The hierarchy might not always be accurate for every individual, leading to either ineffective exposure or unnecessary distress.
⭐Difficult to Quantify: It can be hard to objectively measure anxiety levels and create a truly effective hierarchy.
⭐Limited Generalization: Exposure to specific situations in the hierarchy might not generalize to other situations involving the phobia.
3. Effectiveness of Exposure Therapy:
Exposure therapy, with its core principle of gradual exposure, is generally considered an effective treatment for phobias. Research shows significant reduction in fear and avoidance behaviors. However, effectiveness can vary based on factors like phobic severity, individual characteristics, and therapist skill. Specific reference to a case study would provide concrete evidence of the therapy's impact on that individual's phobia.
4. Cognitive Processes in Phobia Development:
Cognitive processes play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of phobias:
⭐Negative Appraisal: Misinterpreting or overestimating the threat posed by the feared stimulus leads to heightened anxiety.
⭐Catastrophic Thinking: Anticipating the worst possible outcome contributes to avoidance and fear.
⭐Safety Behaviours: Engaging in rituals or avoidance behaviors reinforces the phobia by preventing extinction of fear.
5. Ethical Considerations in Exposure Therapy:
⭐Informed Consent: Ensuring the client fully understands the therapy's potential benefits and risks before agreeing to participate.
⭐Client Safety: Prioritizing the client's safety throughout the therapy process, adjusting exposure gradually and providing support.
⭐Respect for Autonomy: Allowing the client to set the pace of exposure and respecting their limits.
⭐Potential Distress: Being aware of the potential distress caused by exposure and providing appropriate emotional support.
⭐Referral: Recognizing the limits of exposure therapy and referring clients to other specialists when necessary.