Behaviour therapy: techniques: 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: techniques

Sample item

In a ward for children with intellectual disability, desirable behaviours are rewarded with tokens that can be exchanged for treats. This technique is based on:

AFloodingBClassical conditioning (aversion)CFree associationDOperant conditioning (token economy)

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Operant conditioning (token economy)

A token economy applies operant conditioning, by reinforcing desired behaviour with tokens that act as secondary reinforcers. It is used in institutions, intellectual disability and chronic schizophrenia.

Option by option

A. Flooding
Flooding is prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus.
B. Classical conditioning (aversion)
Aversion therapy pairs a stimulus with an unpleasant one, using classical conditioning.
C. Free association
Free association is a psychoanalytic method.
D. Operant conditioning (token economy) (correct)
Correct. Token economy is an operant technique.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Operant conditioning (token economy). A token economy applies operant conditioning, by reinforcing desired behaviour with tokens that act as secondary reinforcers.

Why is "Flooding" not the answer?

Flooding is prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus.

Why is "Classical conditioning (aversion)" not the answer?

Aversion therapy pairs a stimulus with an unpleasant one, using classical conditioning.

Why is "Free association" not the answer?

Free association is a psychoanalytic method.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Behaviour therapy: techniques in Psychiatry. It is used in institutions, intellectual disability and chronic schizophrenia.

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: techniques?

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.