Stimulus Transfer Control Procedures

Overview

• Stimulus transfer control involves transferring behavior control from one SD (discriminative stimulus) to another (Bloh, 2008).
• Common in applied behavior analysis (ABA), often referred to as fading prompts.

Key Concepts

• SD (Discriminative Stimuli): Initial control over a behavior.
• Temporary SD: Prompts used to evoke a response initially.
• Goal: Transfer control from the temporary SD to the desired SD or naturally occurring SD.

Examples of Stimulus Transfer Control

Example 1: Labeling a Dog

• Target Response: Client says "dog" upon seeing a dog.
• Process:
  • Start with verbal prompt: "Say dog."
  • Client's response is controlled by this prompt.
  • Transition: Show a picture and ask "What is that?"
  • If client says "dog," reinforce the response.
  • Control is transferred to the picture of a dog.

Example 2: Writing a Name

• Target Response: Client writes their name independently.
• Process:
  • Start with tracing paper: "Trace your name."
  • Response initially controlled by tracing paper.
  • Transition: Use half-written name.
  • Client traces half, writes half independently.
  • Final step: Blank paper with prompt "Write your name."
  • If successful, control is now with the natural SD "Write your name."

Simplifying the Process

• Core Method: Fading prompts until behavior is controlled by the desired SD.
• If Prompts are Not Faded: Stimulus control is not transferred.
• Application Beyond Prompts:
  • Example: Client calls all women "mom."
  • Target Response: "Mom" refers only to client's mother.
  • Reinforce in the presence of actual mother only.

Key Takeaways

• Fading prompts is crucial for effective stimulus transfer control.
• Reinforcement in presence of desired SD is essential.

Additional Resources

• Video explanation available for further understanding.