Topic 19: Generalization and Maintenance Flashcards
Generalization
a process in which the behavior occurs in the presence of antecedent stimuli that are similar in some way to the discriminative stimulus present when the behavior was reinforced
generalization is also defined as the occurrence of a target behavior in a non-training situation after training
Stimulus Exemplars
stimuli that represent that range of relevant stimulus in which the response is to occur after training
one strategy for promoting generalization is to train sufficient stimulus exemplars
General Case Programming
a strategy for promoting generalization that involves the use of multiple training examples (stimulus exemplars) that sample the range of stimulus situations and response variations
Functionally Equivalent Responses
a response that results in the same reinforcing outcome as an alternative response
the response serves the same function as the alternative response
Self-Generated Mediator of Generalization
a behavior that makes it more likely that one will perform the target behavior at the right time
a self-instruction that is used to cue the appropriate behavior at the appropriate time is an example
What is generalization?
behavior that occurs in the presence of an S^D that is similar to that used in training
behavior change that exists beyond the training program
What are three kinds of generalization?
response maintenance
transfer of behavior across situations and settings
response generalization
What is response maintenance?
extension of behavior change over time, after the program is no longer in effect
What is the transfer of behavior across situations and settings?
behavior changes takes place in new/different setting and circumstances
What is response generalization?
altering one behavior leads to similar changes in another, unaddressed response, may be one that is similar or related to the target behavior
What were the three categories of generalization strategies proposed by Stokes and Osnes in 1989?
exploit natural contingencies
train diversely
incorporate functional mediators
What is the generalization strategy of exploiting natural contingencies?
natural contingencies include the antecedents and consequences that affect target behavior
use contingencies that occur naturally in the environment
e.g. touching a hot stove by accident will affect subsequent behavior
What is the generalization strategy of training diversity?
traditionally, training conditions have been tightly controlled, using highly consistent stimuli
instead, allow variations in the antecedent stimuli, responses, and consequences employed in the modification procedures
e.g. use multiple trainers, different settings, various reinforcers
What is the generalization strategy of incorporating functional mediators?
mediator: a stimulus that occurs between training and generalization, and facilitates or promotes generalization
may be an S^D
e.g. referring to note cards before giving a presentation
How do you reinforce generalization?
provide reinforcement when target behavior is performed outside of teh training situation
How do you train skills that contact natural contingencies of reinforcement?
in a behavioral trap, a behavior that has been developed by programmed reinforcers is “trapped” (i.e. maintained) by natural reifnorcers
e.g. social speaking that is established in a training session can be maintained by social reinforcement (talking with other people)
What are the steps of setting a behavioral trap?
- identify your prey: with which behaviors does the person need the most help?, select behaviors that have natural reinforcers, and that lend themselves to frequent practice
- find some powerful bait: what does the person like?, observe them or ask them directly
- set the trap: place coveted materials in the person’s path
- maintain your trap line: start small, and gradually progress to more complex behavior, use variety and periodically give your trap a break
- appraise your catch: assess changes in target behavior frequently, make modifications or set another trap if ineffective
How do you thin the schedule of reinforcement?
switch from continuous to intermittent schedule
gradually decrease frequency of reinforcement
How do you modify contingencies of reinforcement and punishment in the natural environment?
if natural contingencies of reinforcement are not available, the trainer can teach others to provide reinforcement to the target person
e.g. train teachers to provide feedback and praise
How do you incorporate a wide range of relevant stimulus situations in training?
expand stimulus control
often, a narrow range of S^Ds are used during training
subsequently, generalization may not occur if a different S^D is introduced
How do you train with everyday antecedent settings and situations?
indicate typical features of the generalization setting into training
e.g. scrimmages for athletes, mock auditions for musicians dress rehearsals for actors
Why not just conduct training in the real world?
may not be practical due to time, transportation costs, etc.
community-based training may not expose learners to the full range of examples they are likely to encounter (long lines at stores, heavy traffic conditions, etc.)
training in natural settings may be less efficient (cannot be halted or reset)
stimulated situations may be safer than the real world
What is in situ training?
training occurs in the natural environment after an in situ assessment in which the person does not perform the target behavior
in “in situ” assessment the person is unaware that they are being assessed
How do you teach a range of functionally equivalent responses?
response class
each response serves the same function; that is leads to the same outcome or consequences
e.g. learner uses a pen, pencil, or crayon to write their name
How do you use general case training?
aka general case programming
use a range of antecedents as well as a range of responses
“general case” means the goal or target behavior that occurs beyond the training situation
during training, present a sufficient variety of members of a stimulus class (antecedents) to ensure that the person can perform the task
and teach learner to apply functionally equivalent responses
How do you incorporate self-generated mediators of generalization?
physical stimulus (e.g. tying a string around your finger)
verbal and covert stimulus (e.g. self-instruction)
self-recording: the act of recording one’s own behaviors can promote generalization
What are the steps of implementing generalization strategies?
- identify the target stimulus situations for the behavior: determine appropriate times/circumstances for the target behavior before training
- identify natural contingencies of reinforcement for the behavior: use natural contingencies to maintain target behavior
- implement appropriate strategies to promote generalization: booster program which involves additional intervention sessions carried out to restore the original program’s training
- measure generalization of behavior change: generalization probe
What is a generalization probe?
trails that check whether the person performs the behavior with relevant, natural antecedent/contexts
