Overview
Stimulus generalization is a fundamental concept in psychology that explains how learned behaviors can transfer across similar situations. It occurs when a response conditioned to a specific stimulus is elicited by similar stimuli, allowing individuals to apply learned behaviors in various contexts....
Key Terms
Example: A bell that rings before food is presented.
Example: Food that causes salivation in dogs.
Example: Salivating when hearing the bell.
Example: Responses decrease as stimuli become less similar.
Example: Responding to a specific bell but not to other sounds.
Example: B.F. Skinner's work on operant conditioning.
Related Topics
Classical Conditioning
A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a learned response.
intermediateOperant Conditioning
A method of learning that uses rewards and punishments to shape behavior.
intermediateBehavior Modification
Techniques used to change behavior through reinforcement and punishment.
advancedCognitive Learning Theory
Focuses on the role of mental processes in understanding how people learn.
advancedKey Concepts
ConditioningSimilar StimuliResponseBehavioral Psychology