Which term describes automatic reinforcement maintained by the sensory input of the behavior itself?

• A. Self-stimulation
• B. Escape
• C. Attention
• D. Access

Answer: (A)

Automatic reinforcement happens when the consequences that strengthen a behavior come from the sensory effects produced by the behavior itself, without anyone else’s involvement. Self-stimulation is a form of this, where the person’s own sensory input from the action reinforces continuing the behavior. For example, repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking can produce visual, tactile, or proprioceptive sensations that serve as the reinforcement, so the behavior persists even in the absence of social interaction. The other options involve reinforcement from outside the behavior’s own sensory effects: escaping a demand (negative reinforcement), gaining social attention, or obtaining access to a preferred item or activity. Hence, the term described here is self-stimulation.