ch. 18: programming of generality of behaviour

3 components of generality

• stimulus generalization

• response generalization

• behaviour maintenance

stimulus generalization

trained behaviour transfers from training to natural environment

4 main strategies for programming operant stimulus generalization

• train in the target situation

• vary the training conditions

• program common stimuli

• train sufficient stimulus exemplars

example: train in the target situation

practicing a presentation in the room you will present in

example: vary the training conditions

practicing golf in many different weather conditions

example: program common stimuli

full costume dress rehearsals

example: train sufficient stimulus exemplars

saying “dog” for huskies, pugs, retrievers…

response generalization

reinforcing a response in the presence of a stimulus and the effect of another response becoming more probable in the presence of the same stimuli

traits that make response generalization more likely

• physical similarities

• common characteristics

• functional equivalence

3 main strategies for programming response generalization

• train sufficient response exemplars

• vary acceptable responses during training

• use instructions with high probability of compliance

4 main strategies for programming behaviour maintenance

• use behavioural trapping

• change behaviour of people in natural environment

• use intermittent schedules in natural environment

• give control to individual (self management)