Which function is characterized by a behavior that is maintained by attention provided after instances of the behavior?

• A. Attention Function
• B. Access Function
• C. Escape Function
• D. Automatic Reinforcement

Answer: (A)

The idea here is that the behavior is strengthened by social attention that comes after it. When someone receives eye contact, a talk, praise, or other attention following a behavior, that attention serves as a positive reinforcer. Over time, the person learns that behaving in that way earns attention, so the behavior is more likely to occur again. This describes the attention function, a form of social positive reinforcement.

In contrast, access to tangibles or activities would be reinforced by receiving the item or activity after the behavior, not by attention. Escape or avoidance would be reinforced by relief from demands after the behavior, not by attention. Automatic reinforcement is self-produced sensory feedback that does not rely on another person’s attention.