In operant conditioning, which term describes the cue that signals a response precedes a consequence?

In operant conditioning, which term describes the cue that signals a response precedes a consequence?

• A. Cue-Response-Reward
• B. Discriminative Stimulus
• C. Response-Outcome
• D. Unconditioned Stimulus

Answer: (B)

The cue that signals reinforcement is available for a specific behavior is the discriminative stimulus. It sets the occasion for the response to be followed by a consequence, often a reward, if the behavior is performed. The discriminative stimulus itself doesn’t cause the behavior or provide the reward; it tells the animal that the reinforcement is available for that behavior right now. For example, in training, a dog may learn that when a certain cue is present, sitting will be rewarded, so the cue functions as the signal that reinforcement can follow the response. The unconditioned stimulus is something that naturally triggers a response without learning (like food causing salivation) and isn’t a cue signaling reinforcement. The other terms describe relationships or sequences between behavior and consequence, not the signaling cue itself.

The cue that signals reinforcement is available for a specific behavior is the discriminative stimulus. It sets the occasion for the response to be followed by a consequence, often a reward, if the behavior is performed. The discriminative stimulus itself doesn’t cause the behavior or provide the reward; it tells the animal that the reinforcement is available for that behavior right now. For example, in training, a dog may learn that when a certain cue is present, sitting will be rewarded, so the cue functions as the signal that reinforcement can follow the response. The unconditioned stimulus is something that naturally triggers a response without learning (like food causing salivation) and isn’t a cue signaling reinforcement. The other terms describe relationships or sequences between behavior and consequence, not the signaling cue itself.