Generalization (Exam 2) Flashcards
Hasty Generalization
fallacy with which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence
When similar stimuli = similar outcome
Fireworks = scary —–> any loud sound = sound like fireworks
Generalization
transfer of past learning to new situations and problems
Same Outcome
1.) Similar stimuli —–> same outcome
EX: Broccoli & cauliflower = NASTY
2.) Dissimilar stimuli —–> same outcome
EX: Brocolli and red bell peppers = NASTY
Different Outcomes
1.) Similar stimuli ——> different outcomes
EX: Brocolli = NASTY / Cauliflower = YUMMY
2.) Dissimilar stimuli ——> different outcomes
EX: Brocolli = Nasty / Red bell peppers = YUMMY
Discrimination learning
when similar stimuli predict similar outcomes
Consequential region
set of stimuli in the world that share the same consequences as a stimulus whose consequences is already known.
(Shephard, 1987) Expect gold to be everywhere, even though the probability isn’t so.
Stimulus representation
form in which information about stimuli is encoded within a model of the brain
Discrete-component representation
a representation in which each individual stimulus (or stimulus feature) corresponds to one element (node) in the model. [weight association]
Distributed representation
representation in which information is coded as a pattern of activation distributed across many different nodes
Stimulus control
the influence of cues in the world on an organism’s behavior
Error Less Discrimination Learning (EDL)
training procedure in which difficult discrimination is learned by starting with an easy version of the task and proceeding to incrementally harder versions as the easier versions are mastered.
Training wheels ——> Two wheels bicycle
Could be used in schools, especially with children with special needs
Sensory Conditioning
training in which the presentation of two stimuli together as a compound results in a later tendency to generalize what is known about one of these stimuli to the other
“Where there is smoke, there is fire”
Shared features of color: similar wavelengths or like the color purple being a combination of red or blue
Negative Patterning
A behavioral paradigm in which the appropriate response to individual cues is positive, whereas the appropriate response to their combination (pattern) is negative, aka “no response”
Concepts
internal psychological representation of a real or abstract entity
category
a division or class of entities in the world
Concept Formation (Common Features)
Whole Picture:
Organize
Describe
Generalize
Prototype
Central tendency or idealized version of a category
[externally based]
Inductive inference
logical inference that is probably (but not necessarily) true and is usually based on attempts to draw a general rule from one to more specific instances or premises.
[stereotypes]
Stereotypes
Set of beliefs about the attributes of the members of a group
[psychological concept]
Confirmation Bias
tendency to ignore information that conflicts with a prior belief and to focus on information that is inconsistent with that belief.
Psychological discrimination
refers to telling apart two or more stimuli and generating different responses.
Social context discrimination
unfair differential treatment of individuals based on the group to which they are perceived to belong
Problems with stereotypes
- When people use generalizations that are not based on true or appropriate statistics [facts]
- When people use statistically valid generalizations to justify discrimination against individuals, denying the possibility that the generalization may not pertain to everyone in the group [justify]
Nucleus Basalis
small group of neurons located in the basal forebrain; these neurons deliver acetylcholine to the cortex, enabling cortical plasticity
Acetylcholine (Ach)
a neuromodulator that strongly influences hippocampal function
Effects of Damage to the Hippocampus
Rabbits did not learn compound stimuli
hippocampus legion is very important for stimulus generalization
Generalizations in Schizophrenia
- Folks with schizophrenia show deficits in generalization, consistent with impaired hippocampal functioning.
- Imaging studies show that impaired hippocampal activity during learning is likely to impact the ability to demonstrate acquired equivalence in those who experience schizophrenia
Autism symptoms
difficulties with social and communication abilities, and motor abnormalities, causing social/functional impairment.
[Lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder]
“Go” and “No go”
Stimulus over selectivity
Children with autism often exhibit abnormal generalization patterns
Hyperfocusing on just one feature and tuning out all other features of the stimulus
