Which term describes a group of responses that have the same function?

The term that accurately describes a group of responses that have the same function is "response class." In behavior analysis, a response class refers to a collection of different behaviors or responses that all achieve the same goal or outcome. For example, if a child raises their hand, shouts, or stands up to get attention, all these actions fall under the same response class because they serve the same function—seeking attention.

Understanding response classes is essential for effective behavioral interventions since it helps practitioners recognize that a variety of behaviors can be used to meet the same need. This recognition can inform strategies for teaching alternative, more appropriate behaviors that fulfill the same function, thereby facilitating behavior change in individuals with autism and other conditions.

The other terms, while important in the field of behavior analysis, do not describe a group of responses with the same function. Behavior analysis is a broad field that examines how behavior is influenced by environmental factors; a behavior chain refers to a sequence of behaviors that are linked together, and a reinforcement schedule outlines the timing and frequency of reinforcement applied after a behavior. Each of these concepts plays its own role in understanding and influencing behavior but does not specifically pertain to a group of functionally similar responses.