Final answer:
Learner characteristics such as locus of control and self-efficacy play a key role in the development of stimulus control. Those with an internal locus of control and high self-efficacy are more likely to respond positively to reinforcement, influencing their learning outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A learner characteristic that could impact the development of stimulus control is an individual's locus of control. Julian Rotter's concept of locus of control indicates that individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to believe that their actions directly affect outcomes, whereas those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external forces. This belief could significantly influence whether a student feels that their efforts will result in positive academic outcomes and, in turn, could affect how stimulus control develops in their learning process.
Another crucial factor is self-efficacy. Albert Bandura's concept of self-efficacy suggests that our confidence in our abilities affects how we approach challenges and goals. Students with high self-efficacy are more likely to attempt and succeed in challenging tasks, making them more susceptible to the effects of positive reinforcement, which is a key component in stimulus control. Conversely, those with low self-efficacy may avoid challenging tasks, thereby impacting the likelihood of developing effective stimulus control in a learning environment.