During which phase was positive reinforcement given to the boy in the Saavedra study?

The correct answer focuses on the process of gradual exposure that was utilized in the Saavedra study, which aimed to reduce the boy's phobia of buttons. In this context, positive reinforcement was provided specifically after the boy completed each step of the gradual exposure, which involved gradually facing his fear of buttons in a controlled manner. This reinforcement helped to encourage and motivate him to engage with the feared object incrementally, thereby fostering a sense of achievement and reducing anxiety associated with the phobia.

By reinforcing the boy's progress after each successful exposure task, the researchers leveraged the principles of operant conditioning. This method supports the idea that reinforcing positive behaviors can lead to an increase in those behaviors over time, which is precisely what was aimed for in helping the boy manage and eventually overcome his phobia. This structured approach addresses the psychological processes involved in the treatment, illustrating the effectiveness of gradual desensitization complemented by positive reinforcement.