Stimulus Generalization

Definition

Stimulus generalization in classical conditioning refers to a phenomenon where an organism responds similarly to different stimuli that share characteristics with the original conditioned stimulus. This occurs when the conditioned response is elicited not only by the specific stimulus used during conditioning but also by other, related stimuli.

Example

You are training your dog using classical conditioning. You ring a bell before feeding your dog, and over time, your dog learns to salivate at the sound of the bell (this is the conditioned response). Now, if you use a slightly different bell with a similar tone, your dog might still salivate. This is stimulus generalization because the dog is responding to a new stimulus (the different bell) that resembles the original conditioned stimulus.

Why It Matters

Stimulus generalization is important because it explains how learning can extend beyond specific experiences to include related situations or stimuli. In real life, this concept helps us understand why certain fears or phobias might generalize—for example, someone who fears a particular breed of dog might also feel anxious around other dogs that share similar features. Additionally, understanding stimulus generalization is useful in fields like psychology and education, as it can inform strategies for teaching, learning, and treating behavioral issues.

See Also

• Classical Conditioning