In the three-term contingency, which component maintains the behavior?

In the context of the three-term contingency, the component that maintains the behavior is the consequence. The three-term contingency consists of the antecedent, behavior, and consequence.

The antecedent serves as a stimulus that occurs before the behavior and signals that a particular behavior might lead to a specific consequence. After the behavior occurs, the consequence follows and serves as a critical factor in determining whether the behavior will increase or decrease in the future. If the consequence is reinforcing, meaning it provides a positive outcome or reinforces the behavior, it is more likely to be repeated. For example, if a child cleans up their toys and receives praise from a parent (the consequence), they are likely to clean up again in the future to receive that same praise.

The influence of the consequence on the future occurrence of a behavior is why it is considered to maintain the behavior. It exemplifies the principle of reinforcement, which is crucial in behavior modification techniques used in programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.