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12.5 Multiple Psychological Functions of Stimuli

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Any stimulus or event has multiple psychological and perceptual functions, and these functions are not set in stone. They vary and change depending upon the setting and a person’s history of interacting with the stimulus.

A burger with fries on a plate, demonstrating sample psychological functions of stimuli.
Food typically has reinforcing functions for hungry organisms, and most will work to obtain it.
A stimulus in the field with a stop sign.
A stop sign has discriminative functions for most drivers: it lets them know when they should stop their vehicle.
A baby sleeping in a blanket, demonstrating sample psychological functions.
A cute baby often has emotional functions for many people, and makes them feel happy, warm, and perhaps protective.
A death sign on a fence.
An electric shock usually has aversive functions, and most organisms will work to escape or avoid it.
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