Rohit aged 7, sulks and cries when he is not allowed to play cricket with his friends. Choose the techniques/therapy which is most suitable for bringing a change in his undesirable behaviour.
(A) Token economy
(B) Differential reinforcement
(C) Electro-convulsive therapy
(D) Systematic desensitisation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A) and (B) only
Rohit’s sulking and crying is an unwanted behaviour of a young child, and behaviour therapy changes such behaviour by arranging its consequences.
(A) Token economy Correct. A person with behavioural problems is given a token every time a wanted behaviour occurs, and the tokens are later exchanged for a reward, such as a treat for the child. Rohit can earn tokens each time he accepts a ‘no’ calmly or asks politely.
(B) Differential reinforcement Correct. This technique increases wanted behaviour and reduces unwanted behaviour at the same time, for example by rewarding the wanted behaviour and ignoring the unwanted one. A girl who sulks and cries when she is not taken to the cinema is handled in this way: she is taken only when she asks without crying, and her crying is ignored, so polite asking increases and sulking decreases. Rohit’s case is the same kind.
(C) Electro-convulsive therapy Incorrect. Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a biomedical treatment in which a mild electric current is passed through the brain to produce a brief convulsion; it is used by psychiatrists for severe mental disorders such as severe depression. It has no place in correcting a child’s sulking.
(D) Systematic desensitisation Incorrect. Systematic desensitisation is used for phobias or irrational fears, by relaxing the client while she/he imagines more and more frightening situations. Rohit is not afraid of anything; he is upset at not getting his way.
Note: The treatment in statement (C), ‘electro-convulsive therapy’, is not in the 2023-24 NCERT, which NTA followed in 2025, nor in NCERT (2025-26); it is explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2025-26): “…Persons with behavioural problems can be given a token as a reward every time a wanted behaviour occurs. The tokens are collected and exchanged for a reward such as an outing for the patient or a treat for the child. This is known as token economy.” “Unwanted behaviour can be reduced and wanted behaviour can be increased simultaneously through differential reinforcement. Positive reinforcement for the wanted behaviour and negative reinforcement for the unwanted behaviour attempted together may be one such method. The other method is to positively reinforce the wanted behaviour and ignore the unwanted behaviour. The latter method is less painful and equally effective. For example, let us consider the case of a girl who sulks and cries when she is not taken to the cinema when she asks. The parent is instructed to take her to the cinema if she does not cry and sulk but not to take her if she does. Further, the parent is instructed to ignore the girl when she cries and sulks. The wanted behaviour of politely asking to be taken to the cinema increases and the unwanted behaviour of crying and sulking decreases.…” “…Systematic desensitisation is a technique introduced by Wolpe for treating phobias or irrational fears.…” |