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Three-term contingency
Begin by describing the three-term contingency, and explain why it is described as the basic unit of analysis for operant behavior. In reviewing the contingencies of reinforcement and punishment, discuss how each set of contingencies has an effect on an individual's behavior.
Choose a behavior from your own experience that has been reinforced, and identify whether that behavior was positively or negatively reinforced, outlining the specific three term contingency of that operant behavior. Next, choose a behavior from your own experience that has been punished and identify whether that behavior was positively or negatively punished; outline the specific three term contingency of that operant behavior. Finally, in either of those behaviors, discuss how matching law or schedules of reinforcement may contribute to the maintenance of the behavior under certain circumstances.
Sample Answer
The Three-Term Contingency
The three-term contingency, often referred to as the ABC contingency, is the foundational unit of analysis for operant behavior.1 It describes the causal, sequential relationship between three distinct environmental and behavioral components:2
Antecedent (A): The stimulus or environmental context that precedes the behavior.3 It acts as a discriminative stimulus (4$\text{S}^\text{D}$), signaling that a specific behavior will likely lead to a consequence.5
Behavior (B): The observable, voluntary response (the action) that operates on the environment.6
Consequence (C): The event that immediately follows the behavior, which then determines whether that behavior will increase or decrease in the future.7
Why it is the Basic Unit of Analysis
The three-term contingency is considered the basic unit of analysis because it captures the entire interactive cycle of operant learning. Unlike classical conditioning, which focuses on simple stimulus-response pairings, the ABC model shows that behavior is selected by its consequences and that the behavior occurs under specific environmental conditions (antecedents).8 To understand or modify any learned, voluntary behavior, you must analyze all three terms.
Contingencies of Reinforcement and Punishment
The two main consequences, reinforcement and punishment, have opposing effects on the future occurrence of an individual's behavior.9 The terms "positive" and "negative" refer to the addition or removal of a stimulus, not to "good" or "bad."10
Contingency
Effect on Behavior
Mechanism
Positive Reinforcement
Increases the future likelihood of the behavior.
Adds a desirable stimulus after the behavior occurs (e.g., getting a bonus check after exceeding a sales goal).
Negative Reinforcement
Increases the future likelihood of the behavior.
Removes an aversive stimulus after the behavior occurs (e.g., taking an aspirin to remove a headache).
Positive Punishment
Decreases the future likelihood of the behavior.
Adds an aversive stimulus after the behavior occurs (e.g., receiving a speeding ticket for driving too fast).
Negative Punishment
Decreases the future likelihood of the behavior.
Removes a desirable stimulus after the behavior occurs (e.g., having your phone taken away after violating a curfew).
Personal Examples
Reinforced Behavior: Checking Email
The behavior I have found to be strongly negatively reinforced is the immediate checking of my work email when I first sit down at my desk.
Term
Component
Description
Antecedent (A)
Feeling of uncertainty/dread
Sitting down at my desk, opening the laptop, and feeling a low-level anxiety about potential urgent or overwhelming messages.
Behavior (B)
Immediate Email Check (B)
Clicking the email client icon and quickly scanning the inbox.