Which type of intervention is discrete trial instruction most commonly classified as within the context of behavioral and cognitive therapies?

• A. A cognitive restructuring technique
• B. A behavioral intervention
• C. A humanistic therapy approach
• D. A psychodynamic intervention

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which is about classifying discrete trial instruction (DTI) within behavioral and cognitive therapies.
2. Step 2: Recall that discrete trial instruction is a structured teaching method often used in applied behavior analysis (ABA), focusing on breaking down skills into small, teachable components.
3. Step 3: Recognize that DTI involves clear antecedents, behaviors, and consequences, which aligns with principles of behaviorism rather than cognitive restructuring or psychodynamic approaches.
4. Step 4: Compare the options: cognitive restructuring targets thought patterns, humanistic therapy emphasizes personal growth, and psychodynamic interventions focus on unconscious processes, none of which match the structured, behavior-focused nature of DTI.
5. Step 5: Conclude that discrete trial instruction is most accurately classified as a behavioral intervention because it directly modifies behavior through reinforcement and repetition.