CHILD DEVELOPMENT PEDAGOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The basic concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus (antecedent) leads to a behavior, which then leads to a consequence. This form of conditioning involves reinforcers, both positive and negative, as well as primary, secondary, and generalized.

Detailed explanation-2: -What is an antecedent? In technical terms, antecedents of behavior are stimulus events, situations, or circumstances that precede an operant response (Miltenberger, 2004). In Laymen terms, an antecedent is what was happening or what/who was present right before the behavior occurred.

Detailed explanation-3: -An antecedent is a stimulus that cues an organism to perform a learned behavior. When an organism perceives an antecedent stimulus, it behaves in a way that maximizes reinforcing consequences and minimizes punishing consequences. This might be part of complex, interpersonal communication.

Detailed explanation-4: -In other words, it’s what happens in the environment IMMEDIATELY BEFORE a behavior is emitted. Let’s look at a real-life example: Your cat is sitting on the couch and you are petting him. He suddenly swipes at your hand and scratches you. The antecedent in this situation is you petting your cat.