In behaviour therapy, the repeated pairing of an unwanted response with an unpleasant consequence, so that the person gives up that response, is known as
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Aversive conditioning
Option (1) Negative reinforcement — Incorrect. Negative reinforcement comes from responses that help a person <strong>get rid of, avoid or escape</strong> a painful stimulus, like wearing woollen clothes in the cold. It makes such a response stronger; it does not pair an unwanted response with pain.
Option (2) Token economy — Incorrect. Token economy gives a <strong>token as a reward</strong> each time a wanted behaviour occurs; the tokens are later exchanged for a treat. It builds wanted behaviour through reward.
Option (3) Differential reinforcement — Incorrect. Differential reinforcement <strong>increases a wanted behaviour and reduces an unwanted one at the same time</strong>, for example by rewarding polite asking and ignoring sulking.
Option (4) Aversive conditioning — Correct. Aversive conditioning <strong>links an undesired response with an unpleasant result</strong> again and again. For example, the smell of alcohol is paired with a mild shock, so alcohol becomes unpleasant and the person gives it up.
NCERT (2026-27): “Behavioural Techniques … |