Questions and Answers
Define stimulus generalization and give an example.
A procedure of reinforcing a response in the presence of a stimulus or situation, making the response more probable in the presence of another stimulus. For example, if a child sees an animal with wings and their parent yells 'bird!', the child generalizes the stimulus of wings and is likely to yell 'bird!' when seeing another winged animal.
Explain the difference between stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination. Provide examples.
Stimulus discrimination involves reinforcing a response in the presence of a stimulus and extinguishing it in the presence of a different stimulus. For example, a child might swear on the playground (SD) but wouldn't receive reinforcement from grandparents (SΔ). In contrast, stimulus generalization makes a response more likely with a similar stimulus.
What is a primary distinction between stimulus generalization involving a common-element stimulus class and an equivalence class?
A common-element stimulus class involves learning stimuli that share physical characteristics, while an equivalence class includes dissimilar stimuli learned to be matched or grouped together.
Define unlearned response generalization due to physical similarity of responses, and give an example.
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List four tactics for programming operant stimulus generalization and provide an example for each.
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Describe the generalization strategy referred to as general case programming and provide an example.
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List three tactics for programming operant response generalization and provide an example for each.
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Study Notes
Stimulus Generalization
- Defined as reinforcing a response in the presence of a stimulus, leading to a higher probability of that response with similar stimuli.
- Example: A child identifies an animal with wings as a "bird" upon seeing it and generalizes this term to other winged animals.
Stimulus Generalization vs. Stimulus Discrimination
- Stimulus Discrimination: Reinforcement occurs for response to a specific stimulus (SD) while not reinforcing it for a different stimulus (SΔ). Example: A child swears on the playground (SD) but does not receive reinforcement when doing the same in front of grandparents (SΔ).
- Stimulus Generalization: Involves similar responses to multiple stimuli without differentiation.
Common-Element vs. Equivalence Class
- Common-Element Stimulus Class: Involves stimuli sharing physical characteristics and leading to similar responses.
- Equivalence Class: Involves completely dissimilar stimuli that an individual learns to group or match together.
Unlearned Response Generalization
- Defined as greater response generalization due to physical similarities among responses.
- Example: Mastering a forehand shot in racquetball aids in performing similar shots in tennis and squash.
Tactics for Operant Stimulus Generalization
- Train in the Target Situation: Teaching counting changes in an actual store setting.
- Vary Training Conditions: Teaching avoidance of strangers in various locations like playgrounds or malls.
- Program Common Stimuli: Using the same academic materials in both remedial and regular classrooms for consistent behavior.
- Train Sufficient Stimulus Exemplars: Exposing a child to various strangers in different settings to teach avoidance strategies.
General Case Programming
- Involves identifying a range of relevant stimuli and the required response variations for the learner.
- Example: Teaching adolescents with developmental disabilities to use vending machines by exposing them to different machines and required responses.
Tactics for Operant Response Generalization
- Training Sufficient Response Exemplars: Teaching correct naming of objects in singular and plural forms using numerous examples.
- Vary Acceptable Responses: Reinforcing diverse responses during block building in a nursery school setting.
- Capitalize on Behavioral Momentum: Encouraging consistent reinforcement to maintain engaged behaviors in learners.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapters 16-18 of psychology. This quiz focuses on important definitions and examples, such as stimulus generalization. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of these critical ideas.