ABC Model

Antecedents
(trigger behavior)

Behavior
(human performance)

Consequences
(either reinforce or punish behavior)

Definitions:
Activators: A person, place, thing
or event that happens before a behavior takes place that encourages you to perform that behavior. Activators only set the stage for behavior or performance - they dont control it.

Some examples of activators

Definitions:

Behavior: Any directly measurable thing that a person does, including speaking, acting, and performing physical functions.

Some examples of behavior:

Definitions:
Consequences: Events that follow behaviors. Consequences increase or decrease the probability that the behaviors will occur again in the future.
Oh please let it be Bob!

If you dont send in that payment well take you to court

Behavioral Model
Antecedents
Behaviors Consequences

B = f (c)

Some example of Consequences:

Consequences - How would you view them?

Sunbathing

Aggressive Drivers

Only 4 Types of Consequences:

Positive Reinforcement (R+)
("Do this & you'll be rewarded")

Negative Reinforcement (R-)

("Do this or else you'll be penalized")

Behavior

Punishment (P)
("If you do this, you'll be penalized")

Extinction (E)
("Ignore it and it'll go away")

Consequences Influence Behaviors Based Upon Individual Perceptions of:

Significance or negative positive

Magnitude - large or
small

Impact other

personal or

Timing - immediate or future Consistency - certain or uncertain

Consequences need to be ...

Soon vs Delayed

Certain
vs Uncertain

Personal
vs Organizational

Positive vs Negative

Both Positive (R+) & Negative (R-) Reinforcement Can Increase Behavior
R+ : any consequence that follows a behavior and
increases the probability that the behavior will occur more often in the future - You get something you want

R- : a consequence that strengthens any behavior

that reduces or terminates the behavior - You escape or avoid something you dont want

R+

Good safety suggestion Joe! Keep bringing em up!

One more report like this and youre outa here!!

R-

15

P e r f o r m a n c e

R+

The effects of positive reinforcement

Time

16

P e r f o r m a n c e

P
The effects of punishment

Time

17

Why is one sign often ignored, the other one often followed?