Since Radha had performed well in her midterm examinations, she rewarded herself by going out with friends for a movie. Which technique of self-regulation was used by her?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Self-reinforcement
Self-regulation is the ability to organise and monitor one’s own behaviour. Psychologists have suggested three techniques of self-control for it, and Radha’s case is checked against each.
Option (1) Self-control — Incorrect. Self-control is the learning to delay or defer the gratification of needs. It is the broad aim that the three techniques serve, not one technique itself, and Radha did not hold back a need; she rewarded herself.
Option (2) Self-instruction — Incorrect. In self-instruction we instruct ourselves to do something and behave the way we want to. Radha gave herself a treat, not an instruction.
Option (3) Self-reinforcement — Correct. Self-reinforcement involves rewarding behaviours that have pleasant outcomes; for example, going to see a movie with friends after doing well in an examination. Radha rewarded her good midterm performance with a movie outing.
Option (4) Observation of own behaviour — Incorrect. Observing one’s own behaviour gives the information needed to change, modify or strengthen some aspect of the self. Radha’s treat comes after the result; it is a reward, not a record of behaviour.
NCERT (2025-26): “Self-regulation … A number of psychological techniques of self-control have also been suggested. Observation of own behaviour is one of them. This provides us with necessary information that may be used to change, modify, or strengthen certain aspects of self. Self-instruction is another important technique. We often instruct ourselves to do something and behave the way we want to. Such instructions are quite effective in self-regulation. Self-reinforcement is the third technique. This involves rewarding behaviours that have pleasant outcomes. For example, you may go to see a movie with friends, if you have done well in an examination. These techniques have been tried out and found quite effective with respect to self-regulation and self-control.” |