Learning - Chpt. 8 - Stimulus Control

Discriminative stimulus

Stimulus that sets the occasion for operant behavior.

Discrimination vs. generalization

Discrimination is behaving differently in different situations; Generalization is behaving similarly in different situations.

Simultaneous Discrimination

2 or more SD's presented all at the same time.

Successive Discrimination

Different SD's are presented successively (one at a time).

Concurrent schedules

2 or more component schedules presented together; One stimulus per schedule.

Multiple schedules

2 or more component schedules alternate; Different SD per schedule.

Differential reinforcement

The procedure of providing reinforcement in one situation, but extinction in other settings.

Errorless Discrimination

A training procedure in which the individual is not allowed to make mistakes or respond during the EXT phase.

Fading

The process of transferring stimulus control from one stimulus to another by gradually changing the controlling stimulus to a new value.

Generalization Gradient

Graphs showing probability of responding (or response rate) as a function of stimulus value.

Inhibitory Stimulus Control

S∆ sets the occasion for extinction of a behavior.

Inhibitory generalization

A stimulus correlated w/ EXT decreases responding & the effect spreads.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for the conditioned response to be elicited by stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Temporal Generalization

Training with one stimulus (S+) and testing with other stimulus durations.

Contextual Control

Different contexts can influence the behavior associated with a stimulus.

S∆

Stimulus that signals the absence of reinforcement.

SD: R → SR+

Specific form indicating that the presence of the discriminative stimulus (SD) leads to a response (R) followed by reinforcement (SR+).

A: B → C

General form indicating that A sets the occasion for B to lead to C.

Pigeons pecking for food

An example used in the Guttman & Kalish study to demonstrate stimulus control.

VI 60 s

Variable Interval schedule of reinforcement with a 60-second average.

Generalization occurs across the continuum

Refers to the phenomenon where responses generalize across similar stimuli.

Extinction during testing

The process where a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior.

Errorless Discrimination Training

A method that minimizes errors during the learning process.

Establish a specific time & place for studying

A strategy to enhance focus and productivity during study sessions.

Remove all possible distractions

Eliminating interruptions to improve concentration while studying.

Limit the stimuli associated with eating

A strategy to combat overeating by reducing triggers that prompt eating.

Narrowing

Limiting the settings in which an unwanted behavior can occur.

Insomnia

A condition characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Do not associate bed with other activities

Avoiding activities like reading or watching TV in bed to promote better sleep.

Do not stay in bed if you do not fall asleep promptly

A recommendation to leave bed if unable to sleep to avoid reinforcing wakefulness.

Conditional discrimination

A type of discrimination where the stimulus function depends on the presence or absence of another stimulus.

Matching to sample

A procedure where subjects select a stimulus that matches a target stimulus.

Identity matching

A form of matching where the subject matches identical stimuli.

Oddity & Arbitrary

Types of matching tasks that involve selecting the odd one out or arbitrary associations.

Delayed-matching to sample

A procedure involving a delay between the sample and comparison stimuli to study memory.

Forgetting functions

The relationship between retention interval and accuracy in memory tasks.

Y-intercept

The value of a function when the input variable is zero, often used in graphing.

Slope

The measure of the steepness of a line, indicating the rate of change.

Concept formation

The process of recognizing and categorizing stimuli based on shared features.

Abstract stimulus control

Control based on a common feature shared by different stimuli, leading to generalization.

Drug discrimination

The ability to differentiate between the effects of different drugs.

Interoceptive stimulus

Internal cues that can influence behavior, often related to physiological states.

Higher-order stimulus control

A form of stimulus control where a stimulus can influence behavior based on its relationship to other stimuli.

Generalized identity matching

The ability to match novel stimuli after training on specific pairs.

Delayed matching to sample (DMTS)

A matching procedure that includes a retention interval between the sample and comparison stimuli.

Forgetting is faster for the red circles compared to green

An observation that indicates differences in memory retention based on stimulus color.

Conceptual Stimulus Control

The ability to generalize within a class of stimuli and discriminate between different classes.