Stimulus Role

Definition

The role of a stimulus in a behavioral experiment is attributed to the object(s) which are presented to the subject in a controlled manner in the context of the experiment.

Definition Source

JT and AL

Parent Entity

BFO: Role

Example

In an auditory oddball paradigm, the role of the stimulus is usually filled by the auditory tone or cluster of tones that are presented to the subject.

Logical Restrictions

An experimental Behavioral Experimental Paradigm Condition requires something that plays the role of a stimulus.

Comments

A stimulus role is played by the Implicit Stimulus or Explicit Stimulus (the latter is characterized by a Stimulus Modality).

Original suggestions included: "The occurrent or continuant (i.e., the thingie) which elicits activity from the subject in the experiment". Its suggested definition in other fields includes:

• Anything that may have an impact or influence on a system
• (physiology) Something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response.
• (psychology) Anything effectively impinging upon any of the sensory apparatuses of a living organism, including physical phenomena both internal and external to the body.
• Anything that induces a person to take action

We define a stimulus as a role so that ontologies of tones, lights, pictures, and other "things" can be imported as references to the objects which play the role of stimulus in a given experimental condition.

Created Date

2009/11/12

Curator

JT and AL

Curation Status

pending final vetting

Sub-Classes

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