What is defined as a stimulus change that occurs after a behavior of interest?

The term that best describes a stimulus change that occurs after a behavior of interest is the concept of consequences. In the context of behavior analysis, consequences are events that follow a behavior and can either increase or decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. They play a critical role in shaping behavior through processes like reinforcement and punishment.

In behavior analysis, reinforcement refers specifically to consequences that strengthen a behavior, while punishment refers to those that weaken it. Antecedents are stimuli that occur before a behavior and set the occasion for that behavior, but do not represent the aftereffects of the behavior. Stimuli can be any type of sensory event, but the crucial aspect in this context is the timing — focusing on what happens after the behavior, which is encapsulated by the term consequences. Understanding the role of consequences is essential for effectively applying principles of reinforcement and punishment in behavior modification.