Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which term describes a stimulus that occurs prior to a behavior of interest?

1. Consequence

2. Respondent

3. Antecedent

4. Reflex

The correct answer is: Antecedent

The term that describes a stimulus occurring prior to a behavior of interest is "antecedent." Antecedents are critical in the context of behavior analysis because they set the stage for potential behaviors to occur. They can serve as cues or triggers that prompt an individual to engage in a specific behavior. For instance, if a child sees a toy (the antecedent) and then reaches for it (the behavior), the presence of the toy influenced the child's action. Understanding antecedents helps practitioners develop effective interventions by modifying the environment to encourage desirable behaviors or reduce undesirable ones. In contrast, consequences refer to stimuli that follow a behavior and can either reinforce or punish that behavior, thereby influencing future actions. The term "respondent" relates to behaviors that are elicited by a specific stimulus and usually involves reflexive responses, while "reflex" pertains specifically to involuntary responses to stimuli. These terms do not accurately represent the concept of a stimulus that comes before the behavior of interest.