What does "trials to criterion" refer to?

"Trials to criterion" specifically refers to the number of opportunities a learner requires to reach a predetermined level of performance. This concept is often used in behavioral analysis and education to assess a learner's progress toward mastery of a specific skill or task.

In practical terms, when an educator defines a criterion, they establish a benchmark that the learner must achieve—such as completing a task correctly a certain number of times in a row or scoring a minimum on an assessment. The measurement of trials to criterion helps in evaluating the effectiveness of teaching strategies and the learning process.

The focus is on the actual learning achievement and the efficiency of learning, providing insights into how instruction can be adjusted for better outcomes if necessary. This makes the term distinct from other options, which might focus on the number of attempts without reference to a defined level of accomplishment or the time taken to complete tasks.