Applied Behavior Analyses: What is an example of a response class?

Many times when learning new words or concepts, it helps to provide examples. Examples help provide a clearer picture of what is being depicted, allowing new principles and concepts to be more easily retained.

So let’s first start by defining what a response class is. Here are several definitions.

A response class consists of a group of responses sharing the same function.

A response class simply encompasses “all responses that produce and are maintained by the same outcome.” (Catania, 1998)

A response class is a variety of behaviors that have different topography but all have the same functional effect.

What is an Example of a Response Class in Dogs?

For sake of an example, let’s imagine a dog who desires the owner’s attention. The dogs may bark at the owner, paw at the owner or jump up at the owner.

All of these behaviors fall into the same response class as their function is getting attention from the owner (access to attention).

Let’s take a look at a response class from a dog owner’s perspective. Let’s imagine you need your dog’s attention. You may therefore call his name, tap the ground or shake a container of dog foods.

All of these behaviors fall into the same response class as their function is getting your dog’s attention (access to attention).

Let’s add another two examples. Let’s imagine a dog who wants to avoid something perceived as unpleasant such as a bath. The dog may therefore back away a few steps, get out of the room or start running away.

All of these behaviors fall into the same response class as their function is to avoid something perceived as unpleasant (escape/avoidance.)

Let’s imagine now a dog who desires something on the counter. He may therefore sniff the counter, stand up to see what it is and jump on the counter.

All of these behaviors fall into the same response class as their function is to access something tempting (access to tangibles).