Research by Bandura and his colleagues that investigated the effectiveness of various therapy techniques for treating snake phobias found that the most powerful treatment for these phobias is
A) psychoanalytic (Freudian) therapy
B) systematic desensitization
C) operant conditioning (a token economy program).
D) live modeling with participation (participant modeling).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bandura and his colleagues found that live modeling with participation (participant modeling) was the most powerful treatment for snake phobias. This involves the therapist demonstrating calm and appropriate behavior around snakes, followed by the participant gradually approaching and interacting with the snake with the therapist's guidance and support. This technique incorporates aspects of both observational learning and operant conditioning. Systematic desensitization, while also effective, was not found to be as powerful as participant modeling in this particular study. Psychoanalytic therapy and a token economy program were not effective in treating snake phobias in this study.

Research by Bandura and His Colleagues That Investigated the Effectiveness