Overview
This lecture introduces the three-term contingency (ABC Model) in behavior analysis, explaining how antecedents, behaviors, and consequences interact and are used in interventions.
The Three-Term Contingency (ABC Model)
- Behavior occurs in response to an environmental stimulus, followed by a consequence.
- The three parts are: antecedent (before), behavior (observable action), and consequence (after).
- Interventions aim to modify antecedents or consequences to influence future behaviors.
- Antecedents are cues in the environment that trigger behaviors and can be multiple for one behavior.
- Behaviors are observable and measurable actions taken by an individual.
- Consequences are outcomes that follow behavior; they decide if the behavior increases or decreases.
Types of Consequences
- Consequences can be reinforcing (increase behavior), punishing (decrease behavior), or neutral (no effect).
- Reinforcement strengthens behavior, while punishment weakens it.
- For an event to be a consequence, it must happen after the behavior; if before, it’s an antecedent.
Examples of ABC in Daily Life
- Child sees candy (antecedent), screams (behavior), gets candy (consequence: reinforcement—more screaming likely in future).
- Child asks politely (behavior), gets candy (consequence: reinforcement—more polite asking likely in future).
- Mom’s embarrassment from screaming (antecedent), gives candy (behavior), child quiets down (consequence: negative reinforcement for mom).
Expanding the Contingency
- Sometimes a four-term contingency is used, adding a motivating operation before the antecedent.
- Motivating operations affect the value of the consequence and influence the behavior’s likelihood.
Practice and Observation
- Identifying the ABCs in everyday situations helps build understanding.
- Practice by observing pets, children, or others and labeling antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Antecedent — anything in the environment that cues or triggers a behavior.
- Behavior — the observable, measurable action performed.
- Consequence — event following a behavior that affects its future likelihood.
- Reinforcement — a consequence that increases the future frequency of a behavior.
- Punishment — a consequence that decreases the future frequency of a behavior.
- Neutral consequence — event after a behavior that has no effect on it.
- Motivating Operation — a factor that changes the value of a consequence and affects behavior.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in daily life with pets, children, or by watching videos.
- Focus on accurately labeling the ABC sequence for various observed behaviors.