A contingency in which a response terminates (produces escape from) an ongoing stimulus, such as closing a window terminating cold air, is called what?

• A. Exclusion time out
• B. Duration
• C. Escape contingency
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (C)

This item focuses on escape contingencies, a form of negative reinforcement where a response ends an aversive stimulus. Here, the cold air is unpleasant, and closing the window stops it. The behavior is strengthened because it terminates the aversive condition, which is the essence of an escape contingency.

It’s not about how long a response lasts (that would be duration), nor about distinguishing stimuli (discrimination). It also isn’t a timeout procedure, which involves removing access to reinforcement for a period rather than ending an ongoing aversive stimulus. If you did something to prevent the cold air before it started, that would be avoidance, but this example shows the stimulus already present and being terminated by the response.