A discriminative stimulus is important because
Multiple Choice
A it helps in distracting an individual from performing a target behavior.
B its occurrence helps to eliminate a target behavior.
C it signals that a positive reinforcement will occur.
D it is incapable of eliciting a target behavior.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: it signals that a positive reinforcement will occur.
A discriminative stimulus (SD) is a signal or cue in the environment that indicates that a particular response will be reinforced. In operant conditioning, behaviors are more likely to occur in the presence of a discriminative stimulus because the individual has learned that their actions will lead to a reinforcement when that stimulus is present. The discriminative stimulus doesn’t directly cause the behavior to occur but rather sets the stage for the behavior to be reinforced when it happens.
For example, a child may learn that when a teacher is present in the classroom, they can ask questions and receive help (reinforcement) for doing so. The teacher in this case is the discriminative stimulus because their presence signals that the child will be reinforced for the target behavior (asking questions). Without this stimulus, the child might not engage in the behavior because there would be no expectation of reinforcement.
In contrast, a stimulus that signals punishment or no reinforcement could lead to the extinction of a behavior over time. A discriminative stimulus helps guide behavior by providing a clear signal about the availability of reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of the desired behavior being performed in that context.
Thus, the discriminative stimulus is a crucial part of shaping and maintaining behavior, helping individuals to make associations between specific cues and the outcomes of their actions.