Ch.11 Flashcards
Generalization
the tendency for the effects of a learning experience to spread; sometimes called transfer
Response generalization
the tendency for changes in one behavior to spread to other behaviors
Stimulus generalization
the tendency for changes in behavior in one situation to spread to other situations; or the tendency to respond to stimuli not present during training
Generalization gradient
when data on stimulus generalization are plotted on a graph (a peaked gradient reflects more discrimination [see below] and a flatter gradient reflects more generalization)
Generalization may also occur
to behavior that is extinguished or punished.
Generalization and discrimination are inversely related
the greater the one the less the other and vice versa
Stimulus discrimination
the tendency for behavior to occur in certain situations but not in others.
Discrimination training
procedures for establishing a discrimination
Discriminative stimulus (SD or S+)
the stimulus that indicates that a behavior will have reinforcing consequences
S-delta ( S∆ or S-)
indicates that the behavior will not have reinforcing consequences
Three operant discrimination training procedures:
- Successive discrimination training
- Simultaneous discrimination training
- Matching-to-sample
Successive discrimination training
S+ and S- are presented sequentially
Simultaneous discrimination training
S+ and S- are presented at the same time
Matching-to-sample
conditional discrimination in which a selecting a comparison stimulus (S+) which matches the sample stimulus is reinforced.
Errorless discrimination training
A form of operant discrimination training in which the S∆ is introduced in very weak form and gradually strengthened (i.e., early, weakly, and briefly).
Differential outcome effect
discrimination training proceeds more rapidly when different behaviors produce different reinforcers.
Stimulus control
The tendency for a behavior to occur (or occur more) in the presence of an SD but not in the presence of an SΔ.
Concept
Any class of stimuli in which the members share one or more defining features.
Three theories of generalization (and discrimination):
Pavlov’s –
Spence’s –
Lashley-Wade –
Peak shift
The tendency following discrimination training for the peak of responding in a generalization gradient to shift away from the (CS−) S-.
Peak shift
The tendency following discrimination training for the peak of responding in a generalization gradient to shift away from the (CS−) S-.
Pavlov’s theory
Proposed that conditioning results in neurological change, wherein the CS presentation results in the brain center associated with conditioning being excited. The more similar the stimulus to the trained CS, the more excitation.
Lashley-wade theory
•Generalization gradients depend on prior experience with stimuli tested in generalization.
Spence’s theory
Discrimination training produces excitatory gradients around the S+ (or CS+) and inhibitory gradients around the S delta (or CS-)
