In preparing a functional behavior analysis, special educators, behavior specialists and psychologists use an acronym, ABC, to understand a target behavior. The A stands for antecedent, the B for behavior and the C for consequence.
Antecedent in this specific context, means the setting events and environment.
- Where does the target behavior occur?
- When does the target behavior occur?
- Who is present when the target behavior occurs?
- Does something happen just before the target behavior?
All of these things may contribute to the "setting event" or antecedent to the event.
Antecedent In the morning upon arrival, when presented with her work folder, (antecedent) Sonia throws herself out of her wheelchair. (behavior.)