Stephanie Sinn
 · Board Certified Behavior Analyst

What is the difference between stimulus generalization and response generalization?

Stimulus generalization is when responding in the presence of a new stimulus is the same as to a previously taught stimulus having some of the same characteristics. Put simply remember different stimulus, same response. Consider when we teach using a variety of different pictures of cats and the response stays the same of a tact “cat.”

Response generalization is when a spread of an intervention effects from a targets behavior to a similar non-targeted behavior. Put simple different response, same stimuli. For example, when asking someone “are you okay?” and the response changes between “yes,” “I’m okay,” or “sure.”

Now consider the question I asked in the previous post and where that might lead to the correct answer choice! Let me know if you still have questions :)

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