What term characterizes the relationship where a behavior is followed by a consequence that changes future behavior?

The term that best characterizes the relationship where a behavior is followed by a consequence that influences future behavior is "contingency." In the context of behavior analysis, a contingency refers to the specific relationship between a behavior and its consequences, indicating that the behavior will either increase or decrease in frequency based on what follows it.

When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing consequence, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future increases, while if it is followed by a punishing consequence, the likelihood may decrease. Understanding contingencies is fundamental in behavior modification and learning processes because it emphasizes the importance of the consequence in shaping behavior over time.

Other terms like causation, correlation, and association have different implications. Causation suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship but does not fully encapsulate the nuanced relationship of contingencies in behavioral contexts. Correlation refers to a relationship between two variables without implying one causes the other, and association is a broader term that does not specifically indicate the predictive nature of consequences on behavior. Hence, "contingency" is the most precise term to describe this relationship in behavioral analysis.