What defines a discriminative stimulus?

What defines a discriminative stimulus?

• A. A signal that results in a response only after its presentation
• B. A behavior that is reinforced by external rewards
• C. A type of therapy focused on verbal communication
• D. A prompt that requires immediate action by the participant

Answer: (A)

A discriminative stimulus is specifically defined as a cue or signal that indicates the availability of reinforcement for a specific behavior, leading to a certain response from an individual. This means that the discriminative stimulus sets the occasion for a particular behavior to occur because it predicts that a certain outcome or reinforcement will follow upon the performance of that behavior. When individuals learn that a particular stimulus precedes a certain reinforcement, they become more likely to engage in the behavior when that stimulus is presented. For example, if a person learns that a light signal precedes receiving a treat for pressing a button, the light itself becomes a discriminative stimulus that signals that the treat can be earned, thus prompting the specific response. The other options describe different concepts that do not align with the definition of a discriminative stimulus. While one option touches on reinforcement and another on immediate actions, these do not capture the essence of what a discriminative stimulus entails within the context of behavior and learning.

A discriminative stimulus is specifically defined as a cue or signal that indicates the availability of reinforcement for a specific behavior, leading to a certain response from an individual. This means that the discriminative stimulus sets the occasion for a particular behavior to occur because it predicts that a certain outcome or reinforcement will follow upon the performance of that behavior.

When individuals learn that a particular stimulus precedes a certain reinforcement, they become more likely to engage in the behavior when that stimulus is presented. For example, if a person learns that a light signal precedes receiving a treat for pressing a button, the light itself becomes a discriminative stimulus that signals that the treat can be earned, thus prompting the specific response.

The other options describe different concepts that do not align with the definition of a discriminative stimulus. While one option touches on reinforcement and another on immediate actions, these do not capture the essence of what a discriminative stimulus entails within the context of behavior and learning.