Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which process leads to a behavior response becoming less likely due to repeated exposure to the antecedent?

1. Respondent Extinction

2. Habituation

3. Reinforcement

4. Conditioning

The correct answer is: Habituation

Habituation is the process that leads to a behavior response becoming less likely due to repeated exposure to the same antecedent. This phenomenon occurs when an individual becomes accustomed to a stimulus after prolonged exposure, resulting in a decrease in response. For example, if a loud noise is repeatedly presented, an individual may initially react strongly but will eventually become desensitized and show little to no reaction over time. In this context, habituation is distinct from the other processes listed. Respondent extinction involves the reduction of a conditioned response when the stimulus that was originally reinforcing the behavior is no longer paired with the response. Reinforcement refers to a process that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring by providing a favorable outcome after the behavior. Conditioning generally refers to the learning process where associations are formed between a stimulus and a response but does not specifically address the decrease in likelihood of a behavior over time due to repeated exposure.