What are the four functions of behavior?

• A. Sensory, Escape, Attention, and Tangibles
• B. Automatic Sensory, Automatic Positive, and Social Negative
• C. Sensory Overload, Non-Compliance, Aggression, and Compliance
• D. Toys, Edibles, Praise, and Aversion

Answer: (A)

Four primary functions explain why a behavior occurs, based on the consequence that maintains it. The sensory (automatic) function means the behavior itself provides sensory feedback or stimulation, independent of other people. Escape (negative reinforcement) means the behavior is used to avoid or get away from an unwanted demand or situation. Attention (social positive reinforcement) means the behavior increases access to social attention from others. Tangibles (positive reinforcement for access) means the behavior leads to obtaining preferred items or activities. The option listing Sensory, Escape, Attention, and Tangibles matches these four categories, so it is the best choice. The other options describe outcomes, stimuli, or behaviors rather than the underlying functions, so they don’t fit the standard four-function framework.