Definition
Discrimination Training is a teaching procedure in behavior analysis where a behavior is reinforced in the presence of one stimulus (the discriminative stimulus or SD) and not reinforced in the presence of other stimuli (S-delta or S∆). This method is used to teach an individual to respond differently to different stimuli by reinforcing the correct behavior when the appropriate stimulus is present and withholding reinforcement when the incorrect stimulus is present.
Example
A therapist is teaching a child to differentiate between two shapes: a circle and a square. During discrimination training, the therapist holds up a circle and asks, “What shape is this?” If the child correctly identifies it as a circle, they are given praise or a small reward. If the child incorrectly says “square,” no reinforcement is given, and the therapist moves on to the next trial. Over time, the child learns to only respond “circle” when the circle is shown, thus discriminating between the two shapes.