Final answer:
A stimulus delta signifies the lack of reinforcement for a response when a specific stimulus is present, meaning the response will not be rewarded, which aligns with principles of operant conditioning. The correct answer to the question is B:
Step-by-step explanation:
A stimulus delta is a stimulus in the presence of which a response will not be reinforced. A stimulus delta indicates that the response is less likely to occur in the presence of that specific stimulus because it does not lead to a reward, or reinforcement. In contrast, a discriminative stimulus (not listed in the answer choices) is a stimulus in the presence of which a response will probably be reinforced. The concept of a stimulus delta is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, delineated by B.F.
In operant conditioning, there are various processes like reinforcement and punishment that impact learning and behavior. Positive and negative reinforcements serve to increase behavior, while punishments tend to decrease behavior. A stimulus delta functions similarly to negative punishment by indicating that a desired outcome will not follow the behavior, hence reducing the likelihood of that behavior.