Glossary
Stimulus Control
What is stimulus control?
Stimulus control describes how behavior differs with the cues present. In operant learning, a history of reinforcement can make a response more likely in one situation than another.
How it works
A discriminative stimulus signals that a particular response can produce a consequence under that condition. Its role depends on a learning history that distinguishes this condition from others. Merely being present when a reward happens is not enough.
The cue changes the probability of a response. It does not force the response every time.
Example of stimulus control
Suppose pressing a button produces a reward when a light is on, but not when it is off. If training leads to more button pressing with the light on, the difference illustrates stimulus control. The light signals a consequence available for that response under that condition.
Why it matters
Changing cues associated with a routine may help change the behavior. But not every environmental improvement demonstrates stimulus control. A quiet study space could help by removing noise; a claim about learned cue control requires evidence about the cue and the person's learning history.