In guided participation,a snake phobia can be eliminated by:

A) positively reinforcing subjects for touching snakes.
B) encouraging subjects to handle the snake in the absence of an observable model.
C) having subjects observe a live model,then actually handle the snake.
D) instructing subjects to imagine a model coping with a feared or threatening situation.

Question

Connor Klein · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  In guided participation, the best way to eliminate a snake phobia is to have the subject observe a live model handling the snake and then actually handle the snake themselves. This is known as vicarious learning, where the subject learns through observation and imitation. By seeing someone else handle the snake without harm, the subject will be less fearful and more willing to try it themselves. Positive reinforcement (A) can also be useful in encouraging the subject to continue handling the snake, but it is not the most effective method for eliminating the phobia. Encouraging subjects to handle the snake in the absence of an observable model (B) could be too challenging for someone with a strong phobia and may not be effective. Instructing subjects to imagine a model coping with a feared or threatening situation (D) is a technique used in cognitive therapy but is not as effective in overcoming a specific phobia like snake phobia.

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