Which technique is not part of the OARS framework?

• A. Open questions
• B. Affirmations
• C. Reflective listening
• D. Direct commands

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing which techniques fit within the OARS framework in motivational interviewing. OARS comprises open-ended questions to invite dialogue, affirmations to reinforce strengths, reflective listening to show understanding, and summaries to reinforce what was discussed. Direct commands are not part of this framework; they are prescriptive and can undermine collaboration and the client’s sense of autonomy, which goes against the essence of OARS. So the technique not fitting into OARS is giving direct commands.