Generalization

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In this section the concept of “generalization” is broadly reviewed.  Key articles discussing the concept are listed

Foundational articles:

Stokes and Baer,  1977

 

Conceptual Issues for Applied practitioners:

1).  Is it Generalization or is it transfer of stimulus control ?

When a skill established in one set of conditions occurs in similar but varies settings or with other persons or materials, many people will say that the the skill has “generalized” to these conditions. But is this an accurate description?  is it more accurate that control has “transferred” to these other stimuli?  The answer to the questions may hinge on whether you are “programming” ( explicitly arranging to ensure that other stimuli acquire control over the desired response) or simply noting that the skill or behavior occurs in not training conditions. The distinction is important in  the sense that procedures for supporting generalization will likely be more or less effective based upon  the practitioners knowledge of and use of factors affecting transfer of stimulus control.

Programming for generalization

 

Additional Considerations:

Sarah A Lechago, James E Carr, Laura L Grow, Jessa R Love, Season M Almason
J Appl Behav Anal. 2010 Fall; 43(3): 381–395. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-381
 
Edhen Laura Lima, Josele Abreu-Rodrigues
J Appl Behav Anal. 2010 Fall; 43(3): 411–424. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-411
 
Gladys Williams, José Julio Carnerero, Luis Antonio Pérez-González
J Appl Behav Anal. 2006 Summer; 39(2): 233–237. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2006.175-04
 
 
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