Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which of the following defines a reflex in behavior analysis?

1. Learned behavior through repetition

2. Behavior shaped by external influences

3. Unlearned stimulus-response relation

4. Behavior influenced by social contexts

The correct answer is: Unlearned stimulus-response relation

A reflex in behavior analysis is defined as an unlearned stimulus-response relation, which is intrinsic to the organism and occurs automatically in response to specific stimuli. This means that certain stimuli naturally elicit responses without the need for prior experience or learning. Reflexes are fundamental in understanding behavior as they represent the basic mechanisms through which organisms interact with their environments in a consistent and predictable manner. The other options focus on different aspects of behavior that do not pertain to the concept of a reflex. For instance, learned behavior through repetition indicates a process of conditioning or habituation, which involves experience and practice. Behavior shaped by external influences refers to how environmental factors can affect behavior, but this is a broader concept that encompasses many types of behaviors, not just reflexes. Lastly, behavior influenced by social contexts suggests that interactions with others play a role in the formation of behaviors, highlighting the social aspect of learning rather than the automatic, unlearned responses characteristic of reflexes.