What is the expected result of successfully applying stimulus control?

Successfully applying stimulus control leads to the phenomenon where a client performs a specific behavior more frequently in the presence of particular stimuli. This concept is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors are reinforced or learned in the context of certain environmental cues. When a stimulus consistently precedes a reinforcement, the individual learns to associate that stimulus with the outcome, thereby increasing the likelihood of the behavior occurring in the presence of that stimulus.

For example, if a child learns that raising their hand in class leads to being called on by the teacher (a positive reinforcement), they are more likely to raise their hand when they see the teacher is looking for participation. This demonstrates how effective stimulus control can shape behavior by making it more context-dependent.

The other options suggest scenarios that either indicate confusion, abandonment of behavior, or a decrease in the significance of stimuli, which are not aligned with the principles of stimulus control. Instead, successful application typically strengthens the relationship between a behavior and specific stimuli, thereby promoting the desired behavior when appropriate cues are present.