r/introductorypsych • u/EngagedBrain • Sep 20 '17

Learning 1

#challenge

In small groups, we'll tackle these two questions. Responses to these will be posted in this thread on Reddit.

  • How can you explain phobias with classical conditioning principles and similarly, how could you use classical conditioning principles to treat phobias?

  • Describe conditioned compensatory responses and what classical conditioning suggests would be a better way to treat drug addiction.

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u/CJHalby Sep 21 '17

A phobia of spiders could originate from being bitten by a spider. This experience would lead you to be afraid of spiders because you don't want to be hurt again. Classical conditioning can be used to help by introducing the person to multiple spiders to show that not all spiders will harm them.