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Stimulus Control

In Plain Language

A behavior is more likely in some situations because of a history of different consequences.

ABA Definition

Differential responding in the presence of particular antecedent stimuli resulting from a history of differential reinforcement.

Everyday Example

You answer “hello” when the phone rings, but not whenever you see the phone.

ABA Example

A learner selects a named object in response to its spoken name rather than to the adult’s gaze.

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