A group of stimuli that share a common function, topography, or temporal relation and have a common effect on a response class (behavior).

Hint: Think of the stimulus class as the stuff that precedes and/or follows behavior. For example, your PTB ABA Study Manual, pens, highlighters, note cards and notebooks are the stimulus class of things that you use to study.

5th Edition Task List

B-2  Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.

6th Edition TCO

B.2 Identify and distinguish between stimulus and stimulus class.

Related Content

Temporal stimulus class

A group of stimuli that share common timing in relation to the behavior they precede or follow.

Stimulus

External or internal environmental event(s) that affect an individual’s behavior.

Formal stimulus class

A group of stimuli that share physical/topographical features.

Functional stimulus class

A group of stimuli that share a common effect (i.e., function) on a behavior.

Feature stimulus class

A group of stimuli that share an infinite number of possible relations and evoke the same response. 

Arbitrary stimulus class

A group of stimuli that do not share any common topographies but evoke the same response. 

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Formal and Feature Stimulus Class?

The difference between formal and feature stimulus class is something that has caused many students a great deal of confusion. That is because they seem the same, unless you look closely and realize they are not. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains. Refer to 5th Edition Task List Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.

Environment

An elaborate and always changing universe of stimulus conditions and events that are internal and external to an individual.

Breaking Down the Intricate Connection Between Environment & Behavior

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the term environment in connection with a term defined as a physical event that influences how individuals interact with the world around them Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Stimulus Class

Test your knowledge of concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about identifying a specific type of stimulus class, and the features associated with the three main stimulus class variations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.