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1.8 Definition of Controlling Variable

An Introduction to Verbal Behavior (Standard) Lesson 1: Introduction 1.8 Definition of Controlling Variable

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Finally, we have controlling variable. A controlling variable is an environmental event, most commonly a discriminative stimulus, which controls or determines the likelihood that a given response will be emitted.

Term	Definition
Stimulus	A physical energy change capable of affecting an organism through one of its receptors: photoreceptors, phonoreceptors, chemoreceptors (gustatory and olfactory), mechanoreceptors (touch), thermoreceptors, and free nerve endings.
Discriminative Stimulus	A stimulus in the presence of which a given response has a history of being reinforced.
Reinforcement	A stimulus following a response that increases or strengthens the likelihood of that response occurring in the future, under similar conditions.
Punishment	A stimulus following a response that decreases or weakens the likelihood of that response occurring in the future, under similar conditions.
Controlling Variable	An environmental event, most commonly a discriminative stimulus, which controls or determines the likelihood that a given response will be emitted.

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An Introduction to Verbal Behavior (Standard)

1.8 Definition of Controlling Variable

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