Which term describes a stimulus that is typically sought after and is pleasant or desirable?

Which term describes a stimulus that is typically sought after and is pleasant or desirable?

• A. Discriminative stimulus
• B. Time-in
• C. Appetitive
• D. Punisher

Answer: (C)

Appetitive stimuli are those typically sought after because they’re pleasant or desirable. In behavior terms, they function as reinforcers: presenting something the organism wants after a behavior makes that behavior more likely to occur again. So describing a stimulus as appetitive captures the idea that it’s something the subject actively seeks out and finds appealing. Discriminative stimuli, by contrast, cue that a reinforcement opportunity is available if the right response is made, but the cue itself isn’t inherently rewarding. A punisher is anything that reduces the likelihood of a behavior by introducing an aversive consequence or removing something good. Time-in isn’t a standard label for this concept.

Appetitive stimuli are those typically sought after because they’re pleasant or desirable. In behavior terms, they function as reinforcers: presenting something the organism wants after a behavior makes that behavior more likely to occur again. So describing a stimulus as appetitive captures the idea that it’s something the subject actively seeks out and finds appealing.

Discriminative stimuli, by contrast, cue that a reinforcement opportunity is available if the right response is made, but the cue itself isn’t inherently rewarding. A punisher is anything that reduces the likelihood of a behavior by introducing an aversive consequence or removing something good. Time-in isn’t a standard label for this concept.