In hypothesis testing, what do therapists and clients do to challenge a belief by testing it through an experiment?

• A. Graded Task Assignment
• B. Diversion
• C. Hypothesis Testing
• D. Exposure Therapy

Answer: (C)

The idea here is to turn a belief into a testable prediction and gather real-world data to see if it holds. Therapists and clients collaboratively formulate a specific hypothesis about what will happen if the belief is true, then design a small, observable experiment to test it. After the test, they review the outcome and compare it with the prediction, using the evidence to adjust or weaken the belief. For example, if someone believes “If I speak up in meetings, I’ll be humiliated,” they might make a brief comment in a low-stakes meeting and note the actual reaction. If the response is neutral or supportive, the belief is challenged and may weaken. This approach is distinct from graded task assignment, which focuses on gradually performing tasks to reduce avoidance; diversification or distraction strategies do not involve testing a belief via evidence, and exposure therapy centers on reducing fear through exposure rather than explicitly testing a belief with a hypothesis.