Discrimination Training
Also called: simple discrimination, conditional discrimination
Definition
Teaching a learner to respond to one stimulus and not to others by reinforcing the response in the presence of the target and withholding reinforcement in the presence of the rest. In a simple discrimination one stimulus signals reinforcement; in a conditional discrimination the correct choice depends on a sample or instruction, as in matching-to-sample or receptive identification.
In plain language
Teaching a learner to respond to the right thing and not the others. Sometimes which thing is right depends on what was asked.
Example
A learner is reinforced for touching the spoon when asked for a spoon and not when they touch the fork.
Not discrimination training
Reinforcing every touch of any item on the table. No discrimination is being taught.
See also
Written from
- green-2001
Written from Green (2001). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.