Essential Reading
Read the following article that explains the concept of contingency and the essential role it plays in ABA practice:
Understanding the Three-Term Contingency: A Foundation of Behavior Analysis
In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the three-term contingency provides a fundamental framework for understanding how our environment influences behavior. This powerful tool helps behavior analysts, educators, and caregivers design effective interventions and teaching procedures. This article explores the components of the three-term contingency, including antecedents, discriminative stimuli (SDs), stimuli that do not indicate the availability of reinforcement (S-Deltas), and their practical applications.
To read the full article, click below:
Read the full article on Understanding the Three-Term Contingency
Understanding these concepts helps build your skills in identifying patterns of behavior and how to intervene effectively using ABA principles.
Optional Video
This video from the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinical Channel provides an overview of antecedents and helps clarify the distinction between antecedents and precursor behaviors:
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. This will help reinforce your understanding of the three-term contingency through guided discussion and examples.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the reading, optional video, and conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words (about 5–7 sentences minimum)
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
You’ll receive an email copy of your reflection to aid your RBT exam preparation.
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarize Key Concepts: What are the three components of the three-term contingency and how do they relate to behavior?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain SDs, S-Deltas, and their impact on behavior to someone new to ABA?
- Importance and Connections: Why is understanding the three-term contingency important for RBTs?
- Practical Applications: How might you apply this knowledge when working with clients?
- Insights: What did you find interesting, surprising, or challenging in this lesson?
Example Reflection:
Before this lesson, I didn’t fully understand how antecedents, behavior, and consequences connect, but now I see it clearly through the three-term contingency. What really stood out was the difference between SDs and S-Deltas. I used to think any instruction was just an antecedent, but now I know some cues signal reinforcement and others don’t. I think this will be really helpful when I’m teaching clients new skills. If I can recognize what functions as an SD or S-Delta, I can help shape behaviors more effectively. I also found it interesting that we can apply this to understand challenging behavior too — it’s not just for teaching new things but also for reducing behaviors that are problematic.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
You need to be registered and logged in to take this quiz. Log in or Register