response class
A group of behaviors that serve the same function or produce similar environmental consequences.
Full Definition
A response class consists of topographically different behaviors that are functionally equivalent, meaning they serve the same purpose or produce the same type of reinforcement. Members of a response class tend to covary, so that when one behavior increases, others may increase as well, and when one is reduced through intervention, others may also decrease or be replaced by alternative behaviors. Understanding response classes is crucial for comprehensive behavior change, as targeting one behavior may inadvertently affect others within the same class. Response classes can be defined functionally, topographically, or by their stimulus control properties.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as RC in behavioral literature.
In Context
- "The team identified that hitting, throwing, and screaming belonged to the same attention-seeking response class." — Functional analysis report
- "Teaching one communication response led to improvements across the entire request response class." — Treatment outcome summary