In applied behavior analysis (ABA), this refers to the phenomenon where a specific behavior is more likely to occur in the presence of a particular antecedent stimulus and less likely to occur in its absence. Consider the act of stopping at a red traffic light. This behavior (stopping) is reliably evoked by the presence of the red light (the antecedent stimulus). When the light is green, the behavior of stopping is less likely, demonstrating a differential response based on the stimulus.
The establishment of this phenomenon is fundamental to effective behavior modification. It allows for predictable and reliable responding, creating opportunities for learning and skill acquisition. Historically, understanding this has enabled therapists and educators to systematically teach complex behaviors by breaking them down into smaller components and associating each component with a specific cue. This targeted approach enhances efficiency in training programs and promotes generalization of learned skills to various settings.