12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

Resources › For Educators

ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

Overcoming Learning Disabilities With Behavior Modification

SHARE FLIP EMAIL

mrs / Getty Images

By Jerry Webster
Updated on January 29, 2020

Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—also known as "ABC"—is a behavior-modification strategy

often employed for students with learning disabilities, particularly those with autism. It can also
be useful for nondisabled children as well. ABC uses scientifically-tested techniques to help
guide students toward the desired outcome, whether that outcome is eliminating an undesirable
behavior or promoting a beneficial behavior.

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 1/10
12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 2/10
12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

The History of ABC Modification

ABC falls under the umbrella of applied behavior analysis, which is based on the work
of B.F. Skinner, the man often referred to as the father of behaviorism. In his theory of operant
conditioning, Skinner developed a three-term contingency to shape behavior: stimulus,
response, and reinforcement.

FEATURED VIDEO

What is a Behavior Contract?

ABC, which has become accepted as a best practice for evaluating challenging or difficult
behavior, is almost identical to operant conditioning except that it frames the strategy in terms
of education. Instead of the stimulus, there is an antecedent; instead of the response, there is a
behavior; and instead of the reinforcement, there is a consequence.

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 3/10
12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

The ABC Building Blocks

ABC offers parents, psychologists, and educators a systematic way in which to look at the
antecedent or precipitating event or occurrence. The behavior is an action taken by the student
that would be observable by two or more people, who would objectively be able to note the same
behavior. The consequence might refer to removing the teacher or student from the immediate
area, ignoring the behavior, or refocusing the student on another activity that hopefully won't be
an antecedent for similar behavior.

To understand ABC, it's important to take a look at what the three terms mean and why they're
important:

Antecedent: Also known as the "setting event," the antecedent refers to the action, event, or
circumstance that led up to the behavior and encompasses anything that might contribute to the

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 4/10
12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

behavior. For example, the antecedent may be a request from a teacher, the presence of another
person or student, or even a change in the environment.

Behavior: The behavior refers to what the student does in response to the antecedent and is
sometimes referred to as "the behavior of interest" or "target behavior." The behavior is either
pivotal—meaning it leads to other undesirable behaviors—a problem behavior that creates
danger for the student or others, or a distracting behavior that removes the child from the
instructional setting or prevents other students from receiving instruction. Note: A given
behavior must be described with an "operational definition" that clearly
delineates the topography or shape of the behavior in a way that makes it possible for two
different observers to identify the same behavior.

Consequence: The consequence is an action or response that follows the behavior.

A consequence, which is very similar to "reinforcement" in Skinner's theory of operant
conditioning, is an outcome that reinforces the child's behavior or seeks to modify the behavior.
While the consequence is not necessarily a punishment or disciplinary action, it can be. For
example, if a child screams or throws a tantrum, the consequence may involve the adult (the
parent or teacher) withdrawing from the area or having the student withdraw from the area,
such as being given a timeout.

ABC Examples
In nearly all psychological or educational literature, ABC is explained or demonstrated using
examples. This table illustrates examples of how a teacher, instructional assistant, or another
adult might use ABC in an educational setting.

How to Use ABC

Antecedent Behavior Consequence

The student is given a bin The student The student is given a timeout until he calms
filled with parts to throws the bin down. (The student must later pick up the
assemble and asked to with all the parts pieces before being allowed to return to
assemble the parts. onto the floor. classroom activities.)

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 5/10
12/16/21, 2:48 PM ABC: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

How to Use ABC

The teacher asks a The student The teacher attempts to soothe the student by
student to come to the bangs her head redirecting the behavior with a preferred
board to move a magnetic on the tray of item, such as a favored toy.
marker. her wheelchair.

The instructional The student The instructional assistant ignores the child’s
assistant tells the student screams, “No, I behavior and presents the student with
to clean up the blocks. won’t clean up!” another activity.

Cite this Article

Psychology Psychology

What Is Operant Conditioning? What Is the Law of Effect in

Definition and Examples Psychology?

https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-antecedent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263 6/10