Chapter 11: Generalization, Discrimination, and Stimulus Control

Define stimulus generalization?

Transfer of past learning to new situations; when similar stimuli predict similar outcomes (the two situations are similar enough)

What is a generalization gradient?

The strength of a response to similar stimuli to the original (and the original)

How does damage to the hippocampal region disrupt sensory preconditioning?

No generalization; rabbits with damage to the hippocampal region do not show sensory preconditioning after prior presentation of two stimuli together as a compound resulting in one stimulus generalizing to the other

How is generalization altered in individuals with ASD?

Anatomical and functional differences in the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, temporal lobes, and limbic regions.

Those with ASD may have hyperselective learning (encode on specific aspect and con only generalize based on that aspect they paid attention to)

What are some strategies for promoting generalization?

Reinforce it, use a variety of relevant stimuli in training, and teach a range of functionally equivalent responses

Describe overgeneralization

Applying the generalization to a much broader application (training dog to fetch morning newspaper but then he starts bringing the neighbor’s papers as well)

Define stimulus discrimination

Tendency for behavior to occur in the presence of certain stimuli, but not in their absence

How does the generalization gradient convey discrimination?

High peak in the middle (normal distribution)

Describe the three-term contingency

Antecedent → Behavior → Consequence

Differentiate between the two types of antecedent stimuli (S^D and S^delta)

S^D: If the stimulus tells us that a response will be reinforced (going and getting ice cream and seeing the closed sign)

S^delta: If the stimulus tells us that a response will not be reinforced (going and getting ice cream and seeing the closing sign)

How would one use discrimination training to teach an animal the difference between S^D and S^delta?

Having an animal produce a behavior and get reinforced after being signaled with the S^D while putting them on extinction when its the S^delta

Define concept formation

Any class of which the members share one or more defining features

How does it incorporate both generalization and discrimination?

Generalize within conceptual classes and discriminate between conceptual classes

Describe antecedent control procedures

Manipulate the physical or social environment to make a desired behavior more likely (present S^D, arrange EO's, decrease response effort) or make a competing undesirable behavior less likely