Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What is the primary function of escape behavior?

1. To avoid social interactions

2. To escape from an aversive stimulus

3. To gain attention from others

4. To avoid all forms of reinforcement

The correct answer is: To escape from an aversive stimulus

The primary function of escape behavior is to escape from an aversive stimulus. This behavior occurs when an individual engages in actions specifically aimed at removing or avoiding something unpleasant or uncomfortable, often referred to as an aversive condition. For example, a child might act out during a math lesson to avoid further engagement in the lesson because they find it challenging or distressing. Escape behavior is closely tied to the concept of negative reinforcement, where the removal of the unpleasant stimulus following a behavior reinforces that behavior's occurrence in the future. Individuals learn that by performing certain behaviors, they can remove or reduce the intensity of an aversive situation, which increases the likelihood of such behaviors occurring again when faced with similar situations. In the context of the other options, avoiding social interactions, gaining attention from others, or avoiding all forms of reinforcement do not specifically target the notion of escaping from an aversive stimulus, which is why they are not aligned with the primary function of escape behavior. Instead, they represent different motivations or functions that can influence behavior in various contexts.