Generalization, Discrimination, and Stimulus Control

Flashcards created from lecture notes covering concepts of generalization, discrimination, and stimulus control in learning.

What is the definition of generalization in learning?

The ability to extend learned responses to similar stimuli.

What is the primary benefit of generalization in learning?

It adds survival value by helping organisms adapt to changing environments.

What are the four types of generalization?

Vicarious Generalization, Response Maintenance, Response Generalization, Stimulus Generalization.

What does vicarious generalization involve?

Generalizing behaviors across people, such as through stereotypes.

What is response maintenance in the context of generalization?

The ability to maintain a learned response over time.

Provide an example of response generalization.

Using a learned response, such as saying 'Excuse me', in a new context.

What does stimulus generalization refer to?

Responding to stimuli that are similar to a previously learned stimulus.

What is meant by a generalization gradient?

A visual representation of the strength of conditional responses to varying stimuli.

How did Little Albert demonstrate stimulus generalization?

He generalized his fear of a white rat to other similar objects like a white rabbit.

What types of situations can stimulus generalization occur in?

Following reinforcement, extinction, or punishment.

What is the inverse relationship between generalization and discrimination?

The more one discriminates, the less generalization occurs, and vice versa.

How does discrimination training relate to generalization?

It enhances the ability to distinguish between different stimuli.

What are the two types of discrimination training?

Simultaneous and Successive discrimination training.

In simultaneous discrimination training, how are stimuli presented?

Both the SD and S∆ are presented at the same time.

Describe what happens in successive discrimination training.

The SD and S∆ are presented one after the other in random order.

What is matching-to-sample in discrimination learning?

Selecting the comparison stimulus that matches a sample from two or more options.

What is oddity matching?

Selecting the comparison stimulus that differs from the sample.

What is errorless discrimination training?

Introducing S∆ in a weak form and gradually increasing its strength and duration.

How does stimulus control affect behavior?

It dictates when a behavior occurs, allowing it to happen in presence of SD but not S∆.

Why is stimulus control beneficial?

It helps to prevent inappropriate behaviors and ensures adherence to rules.

What implications does stimulus control have for treatment?

It suggests removing specific discriminative stimuli to alter addictive behaviors.

What is Pavlov's theory regarding stimulus substitution?

The CS substitutes for the US, triggering the same response.

What does Spence's excitatory gradient indicate?

An increased tendency to respond to the SD or CS+ and stimuli resembling it.

Explain Lashley-Wade's view on generalization.

It suggests generalization depends on one's prior experiences with stimuli.

What can enhance the process of generalization?

Training in various settings and using diverse examples.

What is learned helplessness in the context of generalization?

A state where an organism feels unable to escape adverse stimuli due to past failures.

What is the main finding related to generalization in anxiety disorders?

Individuals with these disorders have difficulty discriminating fear stimuli.

What is the relationship between observational and asocial learning?

Observational learning is learning from a model, while asocial learning is learning from observing events without a model.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

When the consequences of a model's behavior increase the likelihood of similar behavior by the observer.

Differentiate imitation from emulation.

Imitation is copying exactly, while emulation is trying to achieve a similar goal in a different way.

What did the Bobo doll experiment illustrate about observational learning?

Children imitated aggressive behaviors seen from adults.

What are some factors that influence observational learning?

Task difficulty, model skill, observer characteristics, and consequences of modeled acts.

How can parental behaviors influence children's learning of gender roles?

Children learn gender-appropriate behavior through observation and reinforcement from parents.

What does the operant learning model suggest regarding observational behavior?

It likens observational learning to operant conditioning, focusing on behaviors and consequences.

What is an important environmental factor affecting learning ability?

Socioeconomic status can significantly impact cognitive development and learning deficits.

What is instinctive drift?

The tendency for an organism to revert to instinctual behaviors after learning conflicting behaviors.

Why is it vital to understand the limits of learning?

Some behaviors are constrained by physical characteristics or genetic predispositions.

What role do epigenetic factors play in learning?

Epigenetic alterations can be passed intergenerationally, influencing capabilities.

How can poverty affect brain development?

Lower socioeconomic status is linked to reduced brain surface area and cognitive deficits.

What is an example of preparedness in learning?

Rats easily learn to associate taste cues with illness, but not environmental cues with shock.

What techniques can help modify inappropriate learned behaviors?

Changing reinforcement and punishment contingencies can help alter dysfunctional behaviors.