Stimulus Control and Discriminative Stimulus

These flashcards cover key concepts related to stimulus control, operant conditioning, and examples to aid in understanding the differences between discriminative stimuli and conditioned stimuli.

Stimulus Control

A behavior is said to be under stimulus control when the consistent presence of a particular stimulus reliably predicts a specific behavior.

Discriminative Stimulus (SD)

The initial stimulus that provides stimulus control, predicting a specific behavior.

Reinforcement

The process by which a behavior is strengthened or increased due to its consequences.

Positive Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated by providing a rewarding stimulus after the behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus after the behavior occurs.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behaviors are modified by their consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment.

Conditioned Stimulus

An environmental stimulus that elicits a reflexive response after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Reflexive Response

An automatic, involuntary reaction to a stimulus, such as flinching at a loud noise.

Intentional Response

A deliberate behavior performed when signaled by a discriminative stimulus.

Example of Stimulus Control

Stoplights (green light = press gas pedal, red light = press brake pedal) serve as clear examples of stimulus control in behavior.