Naomi is afraid of dogs. While she is feeling relaxed, her therapist shows her a dog from a distance. The therapist gradually brings the dog closer until Naomi's fear is completely extinguished. In this scenario, which of the following techniques is being used to extinguish Naomi's fear of dogs?
A)Generalization
B)Systematic desensitization
C)Free association
D)Discrimination

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The technique being used is systematic desensitization, which involves gradually exposing a person to a feared stimulus while they are in a relaxed state until their fear is extinguished. Generalization refers to the extension of a conditioned response to similar stimuli, free association is a psychoanalytic technique used to explore unconscious thoughts and feelings, and discrimination refers to the ability to distinguish between similar stimuli.

Naomi Is Afraid of Dogs