S-Delta
Also called: SΔ, S-delta stimulus, extinction stimulus
Definition
A stimulus in whose presence a behavior has not been reinforced, so the behavior occurs less often when it is present. It is the counterpart of the discriminative stimulus: together they define a discrimination.
In plain language
A signal that a behavior will not pay off right now. The person learns to hold off when it is present.
Example
A "closed" sign on the snack cupboard. Asking for a snack while it is up has never produced one, so asking stops when the sign is up.
Not s-delta
A green card that means help is available. That signals reinforcement, which makes it a discriminative stimulus.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
Written from Skinner (1953). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.