Final answer:
The use of the SD 'raise arms' is an effective approach in teaching imitation, as it serves as a clear cue for the learner to imitate that specific action, which can, later on, generalize to various situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: the SD (discriminative stimulus) "raise arms" should be used to teach imitation (mimetic behavior).
The statement is True. The SD "raise arms" can indeed be used to teach imitation as a part of behavior intervention plans. In behavior analysis, an SD is a specific cue or instruction that signals that reinforcement is available for a certain response. When teaching mimetic behavior, which involves copying the behavior of a model, clear and simple instructions like "raise arms" can effectively communicate to the learner what is expected. Over time, the learner can generalize this mimetic behavior to new situations and different models, thereby expanding their imitation repertoire.
In teaching imitation, it is essential to break down the behavior into simple, actionable steps and then systematically reinforce each step as the learner demonstrates increased competence. For example, the instructor may first demonstrate the "raise arms" motion, then prompt the student to imitate the motion, and provide reinforcement when the student successfully imitates the action.