According to ABA principles, behavior is primarily influenced by what?

The assertion that behavior is primarily influenced by consequences and the environment aligns closely with the foundational principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA emphasizes that behavior is shaped and maintained through interactions with the environment, particularly through the consequences that follow a behavior. When a behavior is reinforced, it is more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that are punished or not reinforced are less likely to occur.

Consequences include both rewards and punishments, which alter the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future. Additionally, the environment provides context and stimuli that can trigger certain behaviors, making it a key component in understanding and modifying behavior. By focusing on these external factors rather than internal ones, ABA practitioners can effectively analyze and change behavior in a structured way.

Genetic factors, cultural norms, and psychological reasoning may play roles in influencing behavior, but they do not directly guide behavior modification strategies used in ABA. The discipline's focus on observable behavior and its relationships with environmental variables supports the idea that consequences and the environment are the primary influences.