Final answer:
Maintenance refers to how long a new behavior persists after the original contingencies are removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintenance refers to how long a new behavior persists after the original contingencies are removed. It describes the ability of an individual to continue performing a behavior even when the reinforcement or consequences are no longer present. For example, if a person continues to exercise regularly even after achieving their fitness goals and no longer receiving external rewards, it demonstrates maintenance of the behavior. This concept is crucial in understanding the long-term sustainability of learned behaviors.