The Evolutionary Theory of Phobias

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
Can you identify these key terms from classical
conditioning?

• UCS
• CR
• NS
• CS
• UCR

• Unconditioned stimulus
• Conditioned response
• Neutral stimulus
• Conditioned stimulus
• Unconditioned stimulus

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 think about 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 theory
  suggests 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 dont 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!!!