Which of the following best describes a key difference between behavior therapy and psychoanalysis?

• A. Behavior therapy is based on the idea that unconscious motives drive behavior, while psychoanalysis focuses on conscious thought patterns.
• B. Behavior therapy focuses on modifying observable behaviors through learning principles, while psychoanalysis emphasizes uncovering unconscious conflicts.
• C. Behavior therapy primarily uses dream interpretation, whereas psychoanalysis relies on reinforcement techniques.
• D. Behavior therapy and psychoanalysis both rely mainly on medication to treat psychological disorders.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core focus of behavior therapy. Behavior therapy is grounded in the principles of learning and conditioning, aiming to change observable behaviors through techniques like reinforcement, punishment, and systematic desensitization.
2. Step 2: Understand the core focus of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis, developed by Freud, emphasizes exploring unconscious motives, conflicts, and desires, often through techniques like free association and dream analysis.
3. Step 3: Compare the two approaches based on their primary methods and goals. Behavior therapy targets changing specific behaviors directly, while psychoanalysis seeks to uncover and resolve unconscious psychological conflicts.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the answer choices by matching them to these core distinctions. The correct description should highlight behavior therapy's focus on observable behavior modification and psychoanalysis's focus on unconscious conflicts.
5. Step 5: Recognize that options mentioning dream interpretation as primary for behavior therapy or medication as the main treatment for both are inaccurate, reinforcing the correct answer choice.