Discriminative Stimulus

Description

A discriminative stimulus is one which will reinforce a particular action, increasing the chance that the action will be performed when the stimulus is presented.

A more general description of a discriminative stimulus is of a stimulus that affects the probability of an action happening. This probability can be positive or negative when the action is more or less likely.

An S+ stimulus is one which tells the subject that a reinforcing reward is available. An S- stimulus is one which tells the subject that the reinforcement is not available. The subject will hence learn to approach an S+ and avoid or ignore an S- stimulus.

Discussion

One of the basic principles of stimulus and response is for the former to cause the latter. It is hence important in condition to understand the effect that any stimulus may have and is actually having.

A discriminative stimulus may be abbreviated to S^D.

When the the stimulus has a reliable effect, the action is said to be 'under stimulus control'.

A person the subject likes is themselves S+ as their approach makes the subject feel good. A person the subject does not like is S-.

Quick links

Discriminative Stimulus

Description

Example

Discussion

See also

Site Menu

You can buy books here

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And

Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And