What is it called when a consequence affects an entire group due to specific behaviors by a few members?

The term for a situation in which a consequence affects an entire group based on the specific behaviors of a few members is referred to as group contingencies. This concept is often utilized in settings like educational or therapeutic environments, where the behavior of individuals within a group can influence the outcomes for the entire group.

In a group contingency system, rewards or consequences are applied to the collective, encouraging all members to promote positive behaviors to avoid negative outcomes or to achieve shared goals. This approach can foster accountability and collaboration within the group, as everyone has a vested interest in the behaviors demonstrated by their peers.

Collective reinforcement, while it may seem similar, is not commonly used in professional settings to describe the concept of mutual reinforcement. Individual contingencies focus on the behaviors and outcomes for single individuals rather than the group as a whole, which is contrary to the scenario presented. Team penalties generally imply punitive measures rather than a structured reinforcement or reward system based on group behavior. Thus, group contingencies is the most appropriate term for the described situation.