Discriminative Stimulus (Noun)
Meaning
A stimulus that provides information about what to do.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The stop sign on the corner served as a discriminative stimulus for drivers to slow down and come to a complete halt.
- In the operant conditioning chamber, the click of the food dispenser was a discriminative stimulus for the rat to press the lever.
- The picture of the snake on the warning sign was a discriminative stimulus for hikers to stay on the marked trail.
- The arrival of the lunch bell was a discriminative stimulus for students to pack up their things and head to the cafeteria.
- The red flag on the beach was a discriminative stimulus for swimmers to get out of the water due to strong currents.