Which term is most closely associated with showing examples and role-playing to demonstrate desired behaviors?

• A. Modeling
• B. Assertive training
• C. Contingency contracting
• D. Counter-conditioning

Answer: (A)

Modeling is a technique grounded in observational learning, where a teacher or peer demonstrates the exact behavior for learners to watch, imitate, and then practice. By seeing the desired behavior in action—through live demonstration or video—and then rehearsing it themselves, learners can internalize the steps and gain confidence. Role-playing fits as a practical application of modeling, providing a structured, safe context in which the model shows the behavior and participants practice it, receiving feedback to refine their performance. This process supports attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, all essential for learning new behaviors through observation and imitation. While role-playing can appear in other methods, the core idea captured here is learning by watching and copying the demonstrated behavior. Contingency contracting and counter-conditioning involve different mechanisms (written agreements with consequences and replacing responses, respectively), and assertive training focuses more on practicing specific communication styles, rather than primarily demonstrating behaviors for imitation.