B-14: Identify and distinguish between stimulus and response generalization ©
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Target terms: stimulus generalization, response generalization
Remember: stimulus = stuff around us, and response = what we do
Stimulus Generalization
Definition: A learner using the same behavior (taught topography) in a new context (under a different set of stimuli).
Helpful example: Sam is taught to gently pet her family’s cat. Without being taught to do so, she starts also gently petting the family dog.
Unhelpful example: Sam also starts attempting to pet all animals she sees outside, including unfriendly dogs, service animals, and the occasional random squirrel.
Response Generalization
Definition: A learner using new behavior (a topography that was not taught) with the same function as the original response that was taught during intervention.
Helpful example: Sam is taught to tap the break card to get a break. Without being taught, she starts sometimes saying “break” instead.
Unhelpful example: Sam starts screeching “I’m getting the heck out of here!!!!” to access a break.