Antecedent

/ˌæn.tɪˈsiː.dənt/ noun

Definition

An event, stimulus, or condition that occurs before and triggers a specific behavior in behavioral analysis.

Etymology

From Latin 'antecedens' meaning 'going before,' from 'ante-' (before) + 'cedere' (to go).

Kelly Says

In behavior analysis, the antecedent is the 'what happened before' — it's the setup that triggers the behavior, like seeing a cookie jar before reaching for one.

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