An abative effect refers to which of the following?

• A. An Increase in the Current Frequency of Behavior That Has Been Associated with a Particular Consequence.
• B. A Change in Stimulus Control.
• C. A Decrease in the Current Frequency of Behavior That Has Been Associated with a Particular Consequence.
• D. A Decrease in Reinforcement Rate.

Answer: (C)

Abative effect describes a decrease in how often a behavior occurs because that behavior has been followed by a particular consequence. In other words, when a behavior reliably produces a certain outcome, that outcome tends to reduce the future frequency of that behavior. For example, if a student speaks out and receives a time-out, the likelihood of speaking out again tends to decrease. This captures the specific link between the behavior and its consequence and the resulting reduction in the behavior’s frequency. The other options point to different ideas (increasing behavior, changes in stimulus control, or changes in reinforcement rate) and don’t describe this consequence-bound decrease.