Matching-to-Sample
Also called: MTS, match to sample
Definition
A conditional-discrimination procedure in which a sample stimulus is presented, followed by an array of comparison stimuli, and the learner is reinforced for selecting the comparison that goes with the sample. The relation may be identity (same object), or arbitrary (a word to a picture), and it is the standard format for teaching and testing stimulus equivalence.
In plain language
Show one item, then show several choices, and the learner picks the one that goes with it. Used to teach matching, and later, meaning.
Example
Shown a picture of a dog, the learner picks the printed word "dog" from three words.
Not matching-to-sample
Asked "touch dog" with no sample shown. The instruction alone controls the response; that is listener responding.
See also
Written from
- sidman-1994
- green-2001
Written from Sidman (1994) and Green (2001). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.