Stimulus Control, Discrimination, Choice, and Verbal Behavior

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on stimulus control, discrimination, choice, matching law, and verbal behavior.

Antecedent Stimulus

Observable stimulus present before the behavior occurs.

Discriminated Operant

Operant behavior systematically influenced by antecedent stimuli.

SD (Discriminative Stimulus)

Increases the probability of a behavior because it has been reinforced in the past.

SΔ (S-Delta)

Decreases the probability of a behavior because it was not reinforced in the past.

SDp (Discriminative Stimulus for Punishment)

Decreases the probability of a behavior because the individual has learned it will be punished when the SDp is present.

Three-Term Contingency

Antecedent → Behavior → Consequence.

Discrimination Training

Reinforce behavior in the presence of SD and extinguish in the presence of SΔ.

Generalization

A novel stimulus resembling the SD increases the probability of the behavior.

Stimulus-Generalization Gradient

Bell-shaped curve showing more responding to stimuli similar to the SD and less to dissimilar stimuli.

Prompting

Temporary stimulus to evoke the behavior.

Fading

Gradual removal of the prompt to transfer stimulus control.

Matching Law

Formula: B1/(B1 + B2) = R1/(R1 + R2), behavior is distributed in proportion to relative reinforcement.

Substitute Reinforcer

A reinforcer consumed more when access to another is restricted.

Contingency Management

Uses immediate rewards for drug-free behavior based on positive reinforcement and matching law.

Impulsivity

Choosing smaller-sooner reward.

Self-Control

Choosing larger-later reward.

Delay Discounting

The tendency to devalue delayed outcomes.

Mand

Requesting based on a need (e.g., 'Give me water').

Tact

Labeling something present (e.g., 'Look, a dog!').

Echoic

Repeating what is heard (e.g., Baby says 'mama' after hearing it).

Intraverbal

Responding to a verbal prompt with a related but different verbal response.

Rule-Governed Behavior

Controlled by verbal descriptions of contingencies.

Contingency-Shaped Behavior

Shaped by direct experience with consequences.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Focuses on undermining the idea that thoughts cause behavior and emphasizes commitment to actions based on values.