An antecedent stimulus that evokes the imitative behavior is

• A. Imitation cue
• B. S-delta
• C. Reinforcer
• D. Model

Answer: (D)

Imitation is driven by a model—the person whose behavior is demonstrated. When you observe the model perform a behavior, that observed act serves as the antecedent stimulus that evokes your imitative response. The learner copies the action because the model provides the exact behavior to imitate, happening before the imitation occurs. A reinforcer is a consequence that strengthens behavior after it happens, not the trigger that starts imitation. An S-delta signals that reinforcement isn’t available in that situation, reducing the likelihood of imitation. An imitation cue can prompt imitation, but the actual antecedent that reliably evokes the imitative action is the model.