Standing at the curb, you wait for the ''Don't Walk'' crossing signal to change to ''Walk.'' Using operant conditioning terms, the ''Don't Walk/Walk'' crossing signal is a(n) _____ in this situation.
A)positive reinforcer
B)discriminative stimulus
C)operant
D)primary reinforcer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "Don't Walk/Walk" crossing signal is a discriminative stimulus because it signals when a particular response (walking across the street) will be reinforced or punished (depending on whether the signal is "Walk" or "Don't Walk"). A positive reinforcer is a stimulus that strengthens a behavior by adding a desirable consequence, but the crossing signal is not adding anything to your behavior. An operant is a behavior that operates on the environment to produce a consequence, but the crossing signal is not a behavior. A primary reinforcer is a naturally rewarding stimulus, such as food or water, but the crossing signal is not a primary reinforcer.

Standing at the Curb, You Wait for the ''Don't Walk