Stimuli Discrimination and Generalization

These flashcards cover key concepts related to stimulus generalization and the peak shift effect as discussed in the lecture notes.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency to emit a response in the presence of a stimulus that is similar but not identical to the discriminative stimulus.

Discriminative Stimulus

A stimulus that signals the availability of reinforcement contingent upon a specific behavior.

Stimulus Discrimination

The tendency to not emit a response when the stimulus is too far different from the discriminative stimulus.

Generalization Gradient

A graph showing the strength of responses given different stimuli, demonstrating how responses change based on similarity to a discriminative stimulus.

Peak Shift Effect

The phenomenon where the peak of the generalization gradient shifts away from the original discriminative stimulus after discrimination training.

Experimental Neurosis

A negative emotional state that can occur under conditions of conflicting stimuli, where an organism becomes confused and displays distress.

Discriminative Stimulus for Extinction

A stimulus that signals the absence of reinforcement, indicating that a behavior will not result in a reward.

Response Strength

The intensity of the response emitted in reaction to a discriminative stimulus.

Tone Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different frequencies of sound, as demonstrated in operant conditioning experiments.

Nuanced Differences

Subtle distinctions between concepts that can be recognized as one becomes more proficient in a subject.