Access-Maintained Behaviors

Access/Tangible Behavior

One of the four functions of behavior is access, otherwise known as access to tangibles.

Access maintained behaviors or any type of behavior that is designed to obtain something, whether it's a preferred item or an enjoyable activity.

Despite control being argued as an additional fifth function of behavior, control can also fall under the category of access access maintained behaviors. Many individuals want to control their environments and have access to the ability, or activity, of manipulating their surroundings.

Some examples of access maintained behavior include a child crying to get an extra cookie for dessert, a college student giving the barista some money in order to gain access to their coffee order, and a person standing up on their tip toes to reach a book on the highest library shelf.