Procedures designed to alter the environment to increase the likelihood of positive behavior and decrease the likelihood of negative behavior are called what?

• A. Behavior Reduction
• B. Antecedents
• C. Establishing Operations (EOs)/Motivating Operations (MOs)
• D. Noncontingent Reinforcement

Answer: (A)

Behavior reduction refers to procedures designed to alter the environment to increase the likelihood of positive behavior and decrease the likelihood of negative behavior. This approach focuses on changing antecedents and consequences to support adaptive behavior and reduce problem behavior, rather than teaching a single response in isolation. By adjusting cues, demands, activities, and reinforcement patterns, behavior is guided toward more desirable outcomes.

Antecedents are part of how behavior is influenced, but they’re just one element of the broader set of procedures used to shape behavior. Establishing Operations/Motivating Operations change how reinforcing a consequence will be, which is a mechanism within behavior change, not the overall label. Noncontingent Reinforcement is a specific reinforcement technique, not the general category that encompasses modifying the environment to promote positive behavior and reduce negative behavior.