A stimulus that always comes before the response is known as which term?

A stimulus that always comes before the response is known as which term?

• A. Stimulus
• B. Antecedent
• C. Consequence
• D. Rewards

Answer: (B)

Antecedents are events that occur before a behavior and influence whether that behavior happens. When a stimulus reliably precedes a response, it serves as an antecedent—a cue or trigger that signals the opportunity for the behavior. This timing is what makes it the best term: it identifies the preceding signal, not what comes after. A consequence, in contrast, is what follows the response and can reinforce or punish the behavior, while rewards are a specific type of consequence that increases future likelihood of the behavior. For example, a green light before driving signals to go, illustrating how the pre-ceding cue sets the occasion for the response.

Antecedents are events that occur before a behavior and influence whether that behavior happens. When a stimulus reliably precedes a response, it serves as an antecedent—a cue or trigger that signals the opportunity for the behavior. This timing is what makes it the best term: it identifies the preceding signal, not what comes after. A consequence, in contrast, is what follows the response and can reinforce or punish the behavior, while rewards are a specific type of consequence that increases future likelihood of the behavior. For example, a green light before driving signals to go, illustrating how the pre-ceding cue sets the occasion for the response.