WALT:

Criticise the behaviourist theory and consider an alternative theory

Criticisms of the behaviourist theory of atypical behaviour

• One criticism of the behaviourist theory of atypical behaviour is……………this is a criticism because………………..

• Another criticism of the behaviourist theory of atypical behaviour is……………this is a criticism because………………..

Use the template provided to give two criticisms of the theory

Criticisms of the behaviourist theory of atypical behaviour

HINTIf asked in the exam to give a/some

criticism(s)/weakness(es) of the behaviourist theory, just remember that they are all making

reference to what the theory ignores:• It ignores the thinking behind phobias• It ignores indirect experience with phobia• It ignores the role of nature in developing phobias

NAn Alternative Theory: Evolutionary Theory

SurvivalReproductionInstinctiveInnateBiological preparedness

In pairs, think about how each of these words links to evolutionary theory and how the theory might explain phobias.

An Alternative Theory: Evolutionary Theory

Activity 5.7Look at the following examples of phobias. In each case, explain why it would be natural to fear these objects/situations according to the evolutionary theory.• Fear of the dark• Fear of heights• Fear of flying• Fear of close spaces• Fear of rats

Plenary

• With a heading of ‘an alternative theory: Evolutionary theory’, write a paragraph to summarise the alternative theory. Ensure that you include the key words discussed – a reminder of those words is below:

SurvivalReproductionInstinctiveInnateBiological preparedness