Child and adolescent psychiatry: social learning theory: 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 · Child and adolescent psychiatry: social learning theory

Sample item

After watching an adult punch and kick an inflatable doll, children later imitate the same aggressive acts when left alone with the doll. Which theory does this support?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Social learning through observation

Bandura's Bobo doll experiment showed that children acquire aggressive behaviour by observing and imitating a model, without direct reinforcement. It underlies modelling in behaviour therapy.

Option by option

  • A. Social learning through observation (correct)

    Correct. Observational learning from a model is Bandura's social learning theory.

  • B. Psychosexual fixation

    Psychosexual fixation is a psychoanalytic idea unrelated to imitation.

  • C. Classical conditioning

    Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a reflex and is not shown here.

  • D. Operant conditioning

    Operant conditioning requires reinforcement of the child's own behaviour.

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 A, Social learning through observation. Bandura's Bobo doll experiment showed that children acquire aggressive behaviour by observing and imitating a model, without direct reinforcement.

Why is "Psychosexual fixation" not the answer?

Psychosexual fixation is a psychoanalytic idea unrelated to imitation.

Why is "Classical conditioning" not the answer?

Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a reflex and is not shown here.

Why is "Operant conditioning" not the answer?

Operant conditioning requires reinforcement of the child's own behaviour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Child and adolescent psychiatry: social learning theory in Psychiatry. It underlies modelling in behaviour therapy.

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 Child and adolescent psychiatry: social learning theory?

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.