Chapter 11: Operant Stimulus Discrimination and Stimulus Generalization

Vocabulary flashcards covering operant stimulus discrimination, stimulus control, stimulus generalization, and related behavioral principles.

Stimulus control

The degree of correlation between a stimulus and a subsequent response.

Stimulus discrimination

The process by which an individual learns to emit a specific behavior in the presence of some stimuli and not in the presence of other stimuli.

Discriminative stimulus ($S^D$)

A stimulus in the presence of which a response will be reinforced (a stimulus for reinforcement).

$S^\Delta$ (S Delta)

A stimulus in the presence of which a response will not be reinforced (a stimulus for extinction).

Stimulus discrimination training

A procedure for reinforcing a rate of response in the presence of an $S^D$ and extinguishing that response in the presence of an $S^\Delta$.

A-B-C Model

The three-term contingency framework consisting of Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.

Operant stimulus generalization

The increased probability of a response in the presence of one stimulus as a result of having been reinforced in the presence of another stimulus.

Unlearned stimulus generalization

Stimulus generalization occurring automatically due to considerable physical similarity between stimuli.

Common-element stimulus class

A set of stimuli sharing minimal physical similarity that produce learned stimulus generalization to evoke the same response.

Stimulus equivalence class

A set of completely dissimilar stimuli with no physical similarity that evoke the same response (such as 3, three, and III).

Contingency-shaped behavior

Behavior that is developed and maintained directly by immediate consequences.

Rule-governed behavior

Behavior that is controlled by a statement describing a rule.