Behaviour therapy: token economy: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Behaviour therapy: token economy

Sample item

On a chronic psychiatry ward, patients earn tokens for self-care and social behaviour that can be exchanged for privileges. This is an application of

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Operant conditioning

A token economy uses positive reinforcement, a principle of operant conditioning described by Skinner, to shape desirable behaviours in institutional settings. It is used in schizophrenia rehabilitation and intellectual disability. Classical conditioning pairs stimuli, as in Pavlov's experiments.

Option by option

  • A. Insight therapy

    Insight therapy is not a behavioural reinforcement programme.

  • B. Psychoanalysis

    Psychoanalysis explores unconscious conflict.

  • C. Operant conditioning (correct)

    Correct. Token reinforcement is operant conditioning.

  • D. Classical conditioning

    Classical conditioning pairs a neutral and an unconditioned stimulus.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Operant conditioning. A token economy uses positive reinforcement, a principle of operant conditioning described by Skinner, to shape desirable behaviours in institutional settings.

Why is "Insight therapy" not the answer?

Insight therapy is not a behavioural reinforcement programme.

Why is "Psychoanalysis" not the answer?

Psychoanalysis explores unconscious conflict.

Why is "Classical conditioning" not the answer?

Classical conditioning pairs a neutral and an unconditioned stimulus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Behaviour therapy: token economy in Psychiatry. It is used in schizophrenia rehabilitation and intellectual disability. Classical conditioning pairs stimuli, as in Pavlov's experiments.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Behaviour therapy: token economy?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.