B.2 Identify and Distinguish Between Stimulus and Stimulus Class

Stimulus A stimulus is an event in the environment that impacts behavior. It can be physical, psychological, or temporal. Examples: Sunlight makes you blink. The sound of a doorbell makes you get up from your chair. The smell of food makes you salivate. Thinking about an exam makes you feel anxious.

Stimulus Classes Stimuli that share common characteristics. These characteristics can be physical, psychological, or temporal. Examples of Stimulus Classes: Physical: Visual: Light, colors, shapes. Auditory: Sounds, voices. Tactile: Touch, pressure, temperature. Olfactory: Smells. Gustatory: Flavors. Temporal: Time of day (e.g., morning, night). Time of year (e.g., summer, winter).

Stimuli and stimulus classes are fundamental to learning and behavior. They help individuals adapt, learn, and make decisions in their environment.