Practice question · Sort into groups
Sort each described response by whether it shows generalization or discrimination.
Groups: Generalization · Discrimination
- A cat comes running only to ITS own can opener, ignoring similar kitchen sounds
- A baby scared by one barking dog now cries at every dog
- A combat veteran flinches at fireworks, thunder, and any sudden loud bang
- A child learns to fear only the neighbor's specific dog, not other dogs
Hints
- Generalization SPREADS the response to similar stimuli; discrimination CONFINES it to the exact CS.
- 'Any loud bang' and 'every dog' signal spreading; 'only its own' and 'only the specific one' signal confining.
Show the answer
Generalization: A combat veteran flinches at fireworks, thunder, and any sudden loud bang, A baby scared by one barking dog now cries at every dog
Discrimination: A cat comes running only to ITS own can opener, ignoring similar kitchen sounds, A child learns to fear only the neighbor's specific dog, not other dogs
Why
Responding to a whole class of similar cues is generalization; responding only to the precise original cue is discrimination. The giveaway is whether the response has spread outward or been narrowed to one specific stimulus.
Practise Classical Conditioning
The app has 5 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Psychology I is free to start.
More questions on Classical Conditioning
- Trace the life cycle of one conditioned association, in order.
- Select every statement that is TRUE about classical conditioning.
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