generalization and discrimination

generalization and discrimination

1. generalization

   • the ability to transfer a learned stimulus response association to a new stimulus that is similar to the original one, making the same response to it that led to reinforcement previously

2. discrimination

   • the ability to respond only to a particular stimulus and not to a similar one

3. spontaneous recovery

   • the process by which an extinguished, previously reinforced response reappears if there is a period of time after extinction

4. extinction

   • the fading out of a response following an initial burst of that behavior after reinforcement ceases