Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

The correct term for a change in stimuli following a behavior is "Consequence." In the context of applied behavior analysis, a consequence refers to any event that follows a behavior and influences the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. Consequences can be reinforcing, which increases the behavior, or punishing, which decreases the likelihood of the behavior. The role of consequences is integral to understanding operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified based on the reinforcement or punishment that follows them. For instance, if a child cleans their room (the behavior) and receives praise from a parent (the consequence), the positive reinforcement is likely to increase the chances that the child will clean their room again in the future. Understanding this concept is essential for effectively implementing behavior modification techniques in practice.