Stimulus Generalization: A Review
Abstract
Stimulus generalization is a phenomenon in psychology where a response to a certain stimulus is repeated when a similar stimulus is presented. This review provides an overview of the theoretical and empirical literature on stimulus generalization, including definitions, theories, and research findings. Empirical evidence suggests that generalization is affected by a variety of factors, including stimulus similarity, learning history, and context. Furthermore, stimulus generalization appears to play a role in many behaviors, including language, learning, and emotion. Implications of stimulus generalization for research and practice are discussed.
Keywords: Stimulus Generalization, Learning, Context
Introduction
Stimulus generalization is an important concept in psychology, as it is a key factor in the development of behavior. It is defined as the repetition of a response to a similar stimulus after being initially trained to respond to a specific stimulus (Hull, 1943). For example, if an individual has been trained to respond to a red light, they may also respond to a light that is pink. Stimulus generalization has been studied in a variety of contexts, including language, learning, emotion, and behavior.
Theory
Stimulus generalization has been studied from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including classical and operant conditioning. According to classical conditioning, generalization occurs when a conditioned response is elicited by a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus (Hull, 1943). In operant conditioning, stimulus generalization refers to the repetition of a response when a similar stimulus is presented (Skinner, 1938).
In addition to classical and operant conditioning, stimulus generalization has been studied from a cognitive perspective. According to cognitive theories, generalization occurs when a response is elicited by a stimulus that is not identical to the trained stimulus but is still perceived as similar (Hock, 1976). Furthermore, cognitive models suggest that generalization is affected by a variety of factors, including the similarity of the stimuli, the learning history of the individual, and the context (Hock, 1976).
Research Findings
Empirical research has been conducted to investigate the effects of various factors on stimulus generalization. For example, one study found that generalization is affected by the similarity of the stimulus (Kamin, 1969). In this study, participants were trained to respond to a red light and then tested on their responses to a variety of other colors. The results of the study showed that participants were more likely to respond to similar colors than to dissimilar colors.
Research has also demonstrated that the learning history of an individual can affect generalization. For instance, one study found that individuals who had prior experience with a stimulus were more likely to generalize their response than those who had no prior experience with the stimulus (Guttman & Kalish, 1956). This suggests that prior experience can influence generalization.
Finally, research has shown that context can affect generalization. For instance, one study found that individuals were more likely to generalize their response to a stimulus when it was presented in the same context as the trained stimulus (Carr & McDowell, 1986). This suggests that context plays a role in generalization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stimulus generalization is a phenomenon in psychology where a response to a certain stimulus is repeated when a similar stimulus is presented. Research has demonstrated that generalization is affected by a variety of factors, including stimulus similarity, learning history, and context. Furthermore, stimulus generalization appears to play a role in many behaviors, including language, learning, and emotion. Implications of stimulus generalization for research and practice are discussed.
References
Carr, N. G., & McDowell, J. J. (1986). Stimulus generalization: Effects of context similarity. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, 12(1), 1–14.
Guttman, N., & Kalish, H. (1956). Stimulus generalization as a function of prior experience. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 52(2), 100–106.
Hock, R. (1976). Cognitive aspects of stimulus generalization. In C. M. Franks & P. B. Miller (Eds.), Cognitive Processes in Animal Behavior (pp. 183–226). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Hull, C. (1943). Principles of Behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Kamin, L. J. (1969). Predictability, surprise, attention, and conditioning. In B. A. Campbell & R. M. Church (Eds.), Punishment and aversive behavior (pp. 279–296). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.