PSYC 6717 Understanding Stimulus Control

PSYC 6717 Understanding Stimulus Control

In the realm of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), practitioners often aim to boost socially desirable behaviors while reducing socially undesirable ones. When a behavior is influenced, either encouraged or restrained, by the presence or absence of a certain trigger, we refer to this situation as stimulus control. In operant conditioning, the origin of this stimulus control lies in something that occurs before the behavior itself, which is termed the antecedent. Therefore, to effectively alter a behavior, it’s essential to grasp the antecedents that might encourage or hinder it.

In this discussion, we will explore instances of stimulus control in your everyday surroundings, focusing on identifying the stimuli responsible for triggering specific desired and undesired behaviors.

To Prepare

1. Familiarize yourself with the Learning Resources for this week, including the required weekly media program, to gain a comprehensive understanding of stimulus control. Please note that it’s crucial to review the media provided this week before participating in this Discussion.
2. Reflect on the stimuli in your environment that elicit certain desired and undesired behaviors.
3. Review the interactive media in the Learning Resources, titled “Stimulus Control Knowledge Check.”

NURS 6050 week 5 Discussion: Professional Nursing and State-Level Regulations

By Day 4 of Week 10

Share your understanding of stimulus control and describe the stimuli in your environment that provoke specific desired and undesired behaviors.

According to Cooper, Heron, and Heward (2020), stimulus control refers to a situation where a behavior is influenced or triggered by the presence or absence of a stimulus. In my personal environment, an example of stimulus control is my inability to enjoy a meal without watching TV. When I eat without the TV on, I tend to derive less satisfaction from the food. This behavior has become an ongoing response.

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Now, let’s delve into your colleagues’ contributions.

By Day 6 of Week 10

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by expanding on their explanations of stimulus control and discussing whether you resonate with their experiences related to stimuli.

Make sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, you may want to explore peer-reviewed articles in the Walden Library and online for additional support. Ensure proper APA format and citations, including those found in the Learning Resources.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you have learned and any insights gained through your colleagues’ comments.