Question 1

Alexander is a child with Down Syndrome who is being taught to solve puzzles. Every time he solves a puzzle, he is given a poker chip. When he collects 10 poker chips, they can be traded in for a snack. Alexander's teacher is using something similar to

Accepted Answer

Alexander's teacher is using a token economy where tokens (in this case, poker chips) are used as reinforcements for desired behavior (solving puzzles). The tokens can then be exchanged for a desired item (snack), creating motivation for the individual to continue exhibiting the desired behavior. This is a common strategy used in behavior modification and has been shown to be effective in individuals with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome.

Question 2

Behaviour therapies based on classical conditioning are used mainly to

Accepted Answer

Behaviour therapies based on classical conditioning are commonly used in the treatment of fears and undesirable behaviours or habits. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the unwanted behaviour by pairing it with a new and more positive response. This can be achieved through techniques such as systematic desensitization and aversion therapy.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a case of applying operant conditioning principles to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Aversive conditioning uses punishment to decrease the occurrence of a behavior, which does not align with operant conditioning principles that focus on reinforcing desirable behavior. The other options (A, B, and D) all involve using reinforcement to increase desirable behavior, which is a core principle of operant conditioning.

Question 4

When children are removed from a situation in which they are engaging in inappropriate behaviours and placed in a room or space where no reinforcers are available, the technique of behaviour modification is called

Accepted Answer

The technique described in the question is a classic example of time out. Time out involves removing an individual from a situation where they are engaging in problematic behaviour and placing them in a quiet, unstimulating environment where they have no access to reinforcers. This is done to reduce the frequency of the problematic behaviour over time.

Question 5

Of the following individuals, who would be the most likely to benefit from behaviour modification techniques based on operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Behaviour modification techniques based on operant conditioning could be useful in addressing the temper tantrums of a young child. Operant conditioning is the process of changing behaviour by manipulating the consequences (reinforcements or punishments) that follow the behaviour, and this approach has been used successfully in treating behavioural issues in children such as tantrums, aggression, and noncompliance. The other options involve more complex psychological issues that may require different approaches, such as medication or psychotherapy.

Question 6

Which of the following words is most descriptive of behaviour therapy?

Accepted Answer

Behaviour therapy is an educational approach that focuses on modifying behaviors through learning principles and reinforcement. It teaches individuals how to change their patterns of thinking and behavior to achieve desired outcomes.

Question 7

Systematic desensitization and aversion therapy are both based on

Accepted Answer

Both systematic desensitization and aversion therapy are based on classical conditioning, whereby a neutral stimulus (e.g. spiders or alcohol) becomes associated with a conditioned response (e.g. fear or nausea) through repeated pairing. Systematic desensitization gradually exposes the person to the feared stimulus in a safe and controlled manner, while aversion therapy pairs the stimulus with an unpleasant response in order to reduce attraction or desire for it.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a behaviour therapy based primarily on classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Time out is a behaviour therapy based primarily on operant conditioning, which involves removing a positive reinforcer to decrease the frequency of a maladaptive behaviour. Classical conditioning-based therapies include aversion therapy, flooding, and systematic desensitization.

Question 9

Behavioural therapy techniques for trying to change behaviour include all of the following except

Accepted Answer

While making clients more aware of unconscious conflicts is a technique used in psychoanalytic therapy, it is not typically used in behavioural therapy which focuses on observable behaviour and environmental factors that influence behaviour.

Question 10

When a behaviour modification program uses poker chips, play money, gold stars, or other similar items as rewards that can then be exchanged for goods and privileges, the technique is called

Accepted Answer

The use of poker chips, play money, gold stars, or other similar items as rewards that can be exchanged for goods and privileges is a common feature of a token economy. A token economy is a behavior modification program that uses tokens or other tangible rewards to reinforce positive behavior. Tokens can be exchanged for rewards that are meaningful to the individual, such as access to preferred activities, privileges, or tangible items. Token economies are commonly used in settings such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities to encourage positive behavior and to reduce negative behavior.

Question 11

Which of the following is not a case of applying operant principles in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique based on classical conditioning, not operant conditioning principles.

Question 12

Which of the following describes a token economy?

Accepted Answer

A token economy is a type of behavior modification in which desired behaviors are reinforced with tokens (e.g. stickers, chips, points) that can be exchanged for various rewards or reinforcers. This is commonly used in settings such as schools, mental health facilities, and prisons as a way to encourage positive behavior and decrease unwanted behavior. Option A describes a form of punishment, option C describes a form of therapy for anxiety disorders, and option D describes a potential motivation for resistance to therapy.

Question 13

Systematic desensitization is based on the premise that the two following elements are incompatible:

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization aims to overcome fear and anxiety by gradually introducing the feared stimulus while the individual is in a relaxed state. The technique is based on the idea that fear and relaxation are incompatible responses, meaning it is impossible to experience both at the same time. Therefore, the objective is to replace the fear response with a relaxation response. Option A is incorrect as learning behavior and unpleasant circumstances may not be incompatible. Option C is incorrect as physical arousal and pain may be closely related. Option D is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the underlying principle of systematic desensitization.

Question 14

For what disorder would behaviour therapy based on classical conditioning and observational learning be more appropriate than psychoanalytic or humanistic therapies?

Accepted Answer

Behaviour therapy based on classical conditioning and observational learning is more appropriate for specific phobia, as it focuses on changing the behaviour associated with fear through exposure therapy and relaxation techniques, whereas psychoanalytic or humanistic therapies may take longer and focus more on exploring deeper underlying psychological issues.

Question 15

Rewarding gradual changes in the direction of the ultimate goal is known as

Accepted Answer

Shaping is the gradual reinforcement of successive approximations towards the ultimate goal. It involves identifying and rewarding small steps that lead towards a desired behavior. Flooding is an intensive exposure to the feared stimulus all at once, while tokenism involves giving rewards for behavior that is unrelated to the ultimate goal. Gradation is not a commonly used term in psychology, and is not directly related to this concept.

Question 16

Which of the following is a behaviour modification technique based on operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

The behavior modification technique based on operant conditioning that involves positive reinforcers to encourage desired behavior is option D. Operant conditioning involves rewarding desired behavior with positive reinforcement to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This method is often used in behavior modification to change or shape behavior.

Question 17

Jeff's parents have set up a system that awards him points when he performs certain behaviours around the house. The points can then be exchanged for privileges such as watching television or going to a movie. This arrangement is similar to

Accepted Answer

This arrangement is similar to a token economy, which is a behavior modification technique that uses tokens or points to reinforce desired behaviors. Jeff is rewarded with points for performing certain behaviors, and he can exchange these points for privileges.

Question 18

Which behaviour therapy technique works on the principle that undesirable behaviour will stop if it is no longer followed by attention or any other positive consequence?

Accepted Answer

The behaviour therapy technique that works on the principle that undesirable behaviour will stop if it is no longer followed by attention or any other positive consequence is time out. This involves removing the individual from the situation or activity that is reinforcing the behaviour, and placing them in a quiet, safe environment where they have no access to positive reinforcement or attention. Over time, the individual will learn that the undesirable behaviour does not lead to any positive consequences, and it will gradually decrease. Flooding is a technique used to treat phobias by exposing the individual to their fear in a controlled and safe environment until the fear response subsides. Stimulus satiation involves exposing the individual to the undesirable behaviour or stimulus in a controlled and repetitive manner until it loses its appeal. Token economies involve rewarding desirable behaviour with tokens or points that can be exchanged for rewards or privileges.

Question 19

A mental hospital pays patients for good behaviour with tokens that can later be used for privileges like watching television. The therapy technique being used is

Accepted Answer

The therapy technique being used is a token economy which involves positively reinforcing desired behaviors with tokens that can later be exchanged for rewards or privileges. This can be an effective way to motivate patients to engage in more adaptive behaviors and can also help to shape their behavior over time. Aversive conditioning involves associating an unpleasant stimulus with a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Systematic desensitization is a type of therapy used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to their fear in a controlled and safe environment. Assertive training is a type of therapy that helps individuals learn how to express their feelings and needs assertively rather than aggressively or passively.

Question 20

Which of the following is not a basic step in behaviour modification techniques based on operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Training the patient to respond to an anxiety hierarchy is a technique used in exposure therapy, which is based on classical conditioning, not operant conditioning. The remaining choices (B, C, and D) are all basic steps in behavior modification techniques based on operant conditioning.

Quiz 14: Therapies