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A–B–C’s of Behavior

Tiered Fidelity Inventory, Feature 2.3: Screening; and Feature 2.7: Practices Matched to Student Need

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ABC’s of Behavior

A ntecedent What happens before the behavior occurs (trigger)

B ehavior An observable act. What the student does (response)

C onsequence What happens after the behavior occurs (outcome)

An antecedent is an event that sets the occasion for a behavior or what happens right before a behavior occurs. Antecedents can be factors in an individual’s external environment such as an instruction by a teacher or a mother turning the TV off. An individual’s internal states can also serve as antecedents, like experiencing pain from a headache or feeling hungry.

�A behavior is anything that someone does. Behaviors can be observable such as riding a bike or shaking one’s head, but they can also be internal such as feeling pain or daydreaming. Because internal behaviors can only be inferred, most behavioral interventions focus on external behaviors that are observable and measurable.

�A consequence is anything that immediately follows as a result of a behavior. For example a child may say, “Juice,” and the consequence of that behavior is an adult pouring the child a glass of juice. Similarly, when a baby begins to cry, the consequence may be an adult picking the baby up. Consequences can increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again, decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening again, or have no effect on the occurrence of a behavior in the future.

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ABC Example

Ms. Jones smiles and says, “Good morning, Carrie. Good to see you this morning.”

Antecedent

Carrie takes her seat and greets her neighbor, Jason.

Behavior

Jason smiles and says, “Hi.”

Consequence

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ABC Example

The teacher is monitoring students as they work.

Antecedent

Ryan stops working and lays his head down on his desk.

Behavior

Teacher tells Ryan to sit up from across the room.

Consequence

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ABC Example

Teacher tells Ryan to sit up from across the room.

Antecedent

Ryan says in a loud, annoyed voice, “I’m too friggin’ tired,” and slumps down further.

Behavior

Other students look up and snicker as the teacher says warningly, “Ryan…” and heads over to his desk.

Consequence

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ABC Example

Other students look up and snicker as the teacher says warningly, “Ryan…” and heads over to his desk.

Antecedent

Ryan continues to keep his head down and insists to no one in particular, “I said I’m not doing it, so stop comin’ over here.”

Behavior

Other students stop working and turn to see what will happen next…

Consequence

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Environmental Change

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Thank You