Discuss the two-process model of phobias
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss the two-process model of phobias. Refer to an unfamiliar phobia in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain how the two-process model accounts for both the acquisition and maintenance of phobias, then evaluate how successfully the model explains phobic behaviour. Because the question requires reference to an unfamiliar phobia, students should apply classical and operant conditioning to a specific example throughout rather than simply describing the model in abstract terms.
The current specification explicitly requires the two-process model, including classical and operant conditioning, as the behavioural explanation of phobias.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO2 = 4, AO3 = 6
This follows the allocation used for the previous 16-mark two-process model question requiring application to a phobia: AO1 = 6, AO2 = 4 and AO3 = 6.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of the two-process model is accurate and generally well detailed. Application to the unfamiliar phobia is effective. Discussion is thorough and effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of the two-process model is evident but there are occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Application and/or discussion is mostly effective. The answer is mostly clear and organised but occasionally lacks focus. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of the two-process model is present. The response is mainly descriptive. Discussion and/or application to the unfamiliar phobia is of limited effectiveness. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge of the model is very limited. Discussion and/or application is limited, poorly focused or absent. There are substantial inaccuracies or inappropriate use of terminology. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
These descriptors closely follow the official 16-mark two-process model mark scheme.
Indicative content
AO1: The two-process model
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
The two-process model explains phobias through two different learning processes.
Classical conditioning explains how a phobia is acquired.
Operant conditioning explains how the phobia is maintained.
A previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally fear-provoking event.
Following conditioning, the previously neutral stimulus alone produces fear.
Fear may generalise to similar objects or situations.
Avoidance or escape reduces anxiety.
The reduction in anxiety acts as negative reinforcement.
Because avoidance is reinforced, the person continues avoiding the phobic stimulus and the fear persists.
These are the central features identified in the 16-mark mark scheme.
Classical conditioning and acquisition
Credit relevant explanation such as:
Before conditioning, the object or situation is a neutral stimulus (NS).
A naturally frightening or painful event acts as an unconditioned stimulus (UCS).
Want to read more?
Subscribe to revision-notes.com to keep reading this exclusive post.