Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

In behavior analysis, which term refers to the ability of a behavior to produce its own reinforcement?

1. Escape reinforcement

2. Automatic reinforcement

3. Contingency

4. Positive punishment

The correct answer is: Automatic reinforcement

The term that refers to the ability of a behavior to produce its own reinforcement is automatic reinforcement. This concept is essential in understanding how certain behaviors can be intrinsically rewarding. When a behavior is followed by a consequence that is reinforcing and does not rely on the involvement of another individual or outside influences, it is considered to be automatically reinforced. For instance, a person might engage in repetitive behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, because it provides them with a sense of comfort or pleasure. In such cases, the reinforcement comes from the behavior itself rather than any external reward. This intrinsic reward can help maintain the behavior over time, highlighting the importance of recognizing automatic reinforcement in applied behavior analysis. The other options, such as escape reinforcement, refer to behaviors that lead to the termination of an aversive stimulus, while contingencies describe the relationships between behaviors and their consequences and positive punishment involves adding an aversive consequence to decrease a behavior. These concepts do not capture the idea of behaviors reinforcing themselves, which is pivotal for understanding automatic reinforcement.