Which term describes a signal that reinforcement is available for a response?

• A. Discriminative Stimulus
• B. Motivating Operation
• C. Establishing Operation
• D. Abolishing Operation

Answer: (A)

Discriminative stimulus signals that reinforcement is available for a response. When this cue is present, the organism has learned that performing the response will be followed by a reward, so the behavior is more likely to occur. If the cue is absent, reinforcement isn’t available even if the response happens, so the behavior tends to decrease. This cue-based control is distinct from motivational operations, which alter how much the reinforcer is valued at that moment rather than signaling its availability. An establishing operation increases the reinforcer’s value, boosting motivation to obtain it, while an abolishing operation decreases that value. Thus, the term that describes a signal that reinforcement is available for a response is discriminative stimulus.