What is a stimulus prompt defined as?

A stimulus prompt is defined as a cue that indicates the correct response. In behavior and learning contexts, stimulus prompts are used to provide a hint or a nudge to the learner, guiding them toward the desired behavior or answer. This can be visual (like a picture) or auditory (like a verbal cue), prompting the learner to respond correctly.

The purpose of a stimulus prompt is to facilitate learning by making it easier for the learner to make the right associations and responses. By indicating what the correct response should be, stimulus prompts help reinforce understanding and aid in skill acquisition, especially when learners are still mastering a new behavior or task.

In contrast, other options represent different types of instructional strategies. Direct instructions given to the learner do not fall under the definition of stimulus prompts, as they are more explicit directions rather than cues that guide behavior subtly. A physical touch is categorized as a physical prompt, which is used to guide the learner through a task rather than providing a cue. Meanwhile, a distraction to test focus does not align with the constructive nature of prompts designed to assist learning but rather serves as a potential obstacle.