stimulus discrimination
[/ˈstɪmjələs dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪʃən/]
nounpl: stimulus discriminations
discriminação de estímulos
1. The ability to differentiate between two or more similar stimuli and respond differently to each based on learned associations
In the experiment, the dog demonstrated stimulus discrimination by responding only to the bell that had been paired with food, not to other similar sounds.
No experimento, o cão demonstrou discriminação de estímulos ao responder apenas ao sino que havia sido pareado com comida, e não aos outros sons semelhantes.
2. A behavioral or cognitive process where an organism learns to distinguish between stimuli that produce different outcomes or consequences
The pigeon's stimulus discrimination improved after multiple trials where red light was reinforced and green light was not.
A discriminação de estímulos do pombo melhorou após múltiplos ensaios nos quais a luz vermelha foi reforçada e a luz verde não foi.
3. In applied behavior analysis, the selective response to specific environmental cues while ignoring irrelevant ones
Teaching stimulus discrimination helps children with autism learn to respond appropriately to different social cues.
Ensinar discriminação de estímulos ajuda crianças com autismo a responder adequadamente a diferentes sinais sociais.
This term is primarily used in academic and clinical contexts, particularly in psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and applied behavior analysis. It is a fundamental concept in both American and Brazilian psychology education, though more commonly encountered in specialized literature. In Brazil, it is frequently discussed in programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, reflecting the growing application of behavioral techniques in clinical practice.
Related Idioms & Phrases
to tell the difference between stimuli
to discriminate between similar signals
stimulus-specific response
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