Stimulus_Control_ Chapter7.pptx

Stimulus_Control_ from melitenberger book

1. Stimulus Control: Discrimination and Generalization Chapter 7 - Based on "Behavior Modification" by Raymond G . Miltenberger Presented by Aqsa shahid

2. Introduction to Stimulus Control Stimulus control occurs when a behavior is more likely to occur in the presence of a specific antecedent stimulus . Antecedents , stimulus events that precede an operant response. The antecedents of a behavior are the stimulus events, situations, or circumstances that are present when it occurs or were present before the behavior. Example : A student studies more often in the library than at home.

3. Discriminative Stimulus (SD) The antecedent stimulus that is present when a behavior is reinforced is known as the discriminative stimulus (SD). An SD signals the availability of reinforcement for a behavior. Behavior is reinforced in the presence of the SD. Example: Green traffic light signals it's okay to drive.

4. Steps involved in Stimulus Discrimination Training Two steps are involved in stimulus discrimination training. 1. When the SD is present, the behavior is reinforced. 2. When any other antecedent stimuli except the SD are present, the behavior is not reinforced

5. S-Delta . During discrimination training, any antecedent stimulus that is present when the behavior is not reinforced is called an S-delta (SΔ).

6. Developing Reading and Spelling with Discrimination Training Our reading behavior is under the stimulus control of the letters and words we see on the page. If we see the letters DOG, we say “dog.” If we said “dog” after seeing any other combination of letters, our response would be incorrect. We learn to make correct reading responses through discrimination training, typically when we are children

7. Stimulus Discrimination Training Involves: - Presenting the SD and reinforcing the behavior. - Presenting other stimuli (S-delta) and not reinforcing the behavior. Result: Behavior occurs more often in presence of the SD.

8. The Three Term Contigency THE THREE-TERM CONTINGENCY Consequence You are reprimanded. You are not reprimanded. According to Skinner (1969), stimulus discrimination training involves a three-term contingency, in which the consequence ( reinforcer or punisher) is contingent on the occurrence of the behavior only in the presence of the specific antecedent stimulus called the SD. As you can see, a three-term contingency involves a relationship among

9. Stimulus Generalization Generalization takes place when a behavior occurs in the presence of stimuli that are similar in some ways to the SD that was present during stimulus discrimination training . Behavior occurs in the presence of stimuli similar to the SD .

10. Example Example: Saying "dog" when seeing different breeds of dogs. Generalization helps apply learned behaviors in different situations.

11. Factors Influencing Stimulus Control - Prominence of SD: More noticeable = stronger control. - Reinforcement History: Consistent reinforcement strengthens control. - Stimulus Salience: Distinctive stimuli more likely to control behavior.

12. Practical Applications - Education: Cues to prompt behavior (e.g., quiet signal in class). - Therapy: Teaching responses to social cues in autism. - Workplace: Signs to indicate rules (e.g., safety signs).

13. Summary Stimulus control links antecedents with behavior. Discrimination training helps isolate when behavior should occur. Generalization promotes flexibility across situations.

14. Questions and Discussion What are examples of stimulus control in daily life ?