Stimulus generalization occurs when a response to a conditioned stimulus is elicited by similar stimuli. True or False?

Stimulus generalization occurs when a response to a conditioned stimulus is elicited by similar stimuli. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Stimulus generalization happens when the conditioned response spreads to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus. Once the CS is paired with the US, similar cues can trigger the same CR because the learned association applies to features they share. For example, after learning to respond to a particular bell tone, a dog may respond to tones that are slightly higher or lower because they resemble the original CS. The strength of the response usually diminishes as the new stimulus becomes less like the CS, creating a generalization gradient. This idea is distinct from discrimination, where the organism learns to respond only to the exact CS and not to similar stimuli. With that understanding, the statement is true: stimulus generalization occurs when a response to a conditioned stimulus is elicited by similar stimuli.

Stimulus generalization happens when the conditioned response spreads to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus. Once the CS is paired with the US, similar cues can trigger the same CR because the learned association applies to features they share. For example, after learning to respond to a particular bell tone, a dog may respond to tones that are slightly higher or lower because they resemble the original CS. The strength of the response usually diminishes as the new stimulus becomes less like the CS, creating a generalization gradient. This idea is distinct from discrimination, where the organism learns to respond only to the exact CS and not to similar stimuli. With that understanding, the statement is true: stimulus generalization occurs when a response to a conditioned stimulus is elicited by similar stimuli.