Behavioural Explanation of Abnormality

Behavioural Explanation of Abnormality

Operant Conditioning:An individual learns to behave in way to change an outcome of their behaviour due to the existing consequence of their behaviour. Basically, behaviour is influenced by the consequence that follows.Two ways of influencing behaviour:Reinforcement - Behaviour becomes more frequent as a resultPunishment - Behaviour becomes less frequent as a resultReinforcement can help explain anorexia as at first someone gets positive attention and so continues a dieting behaviour but then develops abnormality in hope for more attention.

Classical Conditioning:This is learning due to an association being formed between two stimuli. One of which is naturally existing and the other being an inbuilt response or reflex e.g. Pain.Terms using in the association process:UCS - Unconditional Stimulus (inbuilt response/reflex)CS - Conditional Stimulus (developed response/reflex)NS - Neutral Stimulus (no response/reflex)UCR - Unconditional ResponseCR - Conditional ResponseWatson (1920):Watson introduced an infant to a white rat whereby the infant had no fear. The infant was then introduced to a loud noise whereby the infant showed fear. Watson then introduced the infant to both a loud noise and the white rat and the infant soon became frightful. The infant was then frightful of the white rat and anything white and fluffy.In this example:UCS is the loud noise with a UCR of fearNS is the white ratUCS + NS leads to the UCR of fearNS then becomes the CS with a CR of fear

Evaluation:Simplistic:The theory does not explore the depths of human behaviour and ignores the complexity behind possible causes for abnormality. This mean the theory is could be incorrect and too simplistic to apply to abnormal behaviour.Ignores Biology:This model ignores biological factors which has strong evidence in support. This means the theory is ignoring another, stronger theory, meaning this theory could be incorrect.Accounts for Environment:This model takes environmental factors into account. This means means it can apply to many cultures and be used universally as an explanation for abnormality.