Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which term refers to behavior that is emitted by an individual, rather than elicited by a specific stimulus?

1. Reflexive Behavior

2. Operant Behavior

3. Respondent Behavior

4. Involuntary Behavior

The correct answer is: Operant Behavior

The correct answer is operant behavior, which refers to behaviors that are emitted by an individual rather than being directly triggered by a specific stimulus. This concept is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, where behavior is influenced by its consequences. When an individual engages in operant behavior, they are actively choosing to perform an action based on prior experiences and the outcomes that followed those actions. For example, when a child decides to use polite words because they received praise (a positive consequence) the last time they did so, this behavior is operant. It demonstrates how the individual is not simply reacting to an immediate stimulus but is instead engaging in behavior that is influenced by reinforcement history. In contrast, reflexive behavior and respondent behavior are terms associated with involuntary responses that occur automatically in reaction to specific stimuli. Reflexive behavior occurs without conscious thought, while respondent behavior involves a direct stimulus-response relationship, which is not the case with operant behavior. Involuntary behavior often implies a lack of control or agency, which further distinguishes it from the active, choice-driven nature of operant behavior.