What does the term "behavioral momentum" describe?

Behavioral momentum refers to the phenomenon where behaviors that have been reinforced are likely to continue once they have been initiated, especially when reinforcement is present. This concept highlights that behaviors can build momentum due to their established history of reinforcement, making them more likely to persist in the short term.

When a behavior is part of a routine or has been repeatedly reinforced, it is often easier to maintain compared to a new or unreinforced behavior. In practical terms, this means that once a behavior is in motion, it remains strong and likely to occur, especially in contexts where reinforcement continues. This concept is analogous to physical momentum, where a moving object continues in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

In relation to the other options, while some address aspects of behavior persistence and change, they do not encapsulate the specific nature of behavioral momentum as characterized by the sustained occurrence of a behavior once it is initiated, particularly when reinforcement is present.