What defines stimulus control?

Stimulus control is defined as a condition in which a particular behavior is consistently elicited in the presence of a specific stimulus. This means that the behavior occurs reliably when the stimulus is present, indicating that there is a strong association between the stimulus and the behavior. For instance, a child might raise their hand in class only when the teacher is present, demonstrating that the teacher’s presence signals the appropriate context for that specific behavior.

The essence of stimulus control lies in the relationship between stimuli and the behaviors they evoke, highlighting how specific environmental cues can influence actions. This concept is crucial in communication disorders as it helps in understanding how certain prompts or cues can facilitate or hinder communication behaviors in individuals.

In contrast, the other options touch on different aspects of behavioral methods but do not specifically address the relationship between stimuli and behavior which defines stimulus control. Generalization of learned behaviors, the delivery of reinforcers following specific actions, and the emphasis on independent performance are notable behavioral concepts but are not the core definition of stimulus control.