I. Topic: Generalization and Discrimination in Operant Conditioning

II. Purpose: To help students recognize the differences between generalization and discrimination in everyday situations.

III. Description: Handout/Worksheet

Generalization may be considered opposites sides of the same coin. Generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the discriminative stimulus evoke an operant response whereas discrimination occurs when behavior occurs only in the presence of specific discriminative stimuli. A discriminative stimulus sets the occasion for responding because, in the past, responding in the presence of the discriminative stimulus has been reinforced.

IV. Procedure:

1. Ask students to identify whether the situation being described in each of the 4 scenarios in the handout are instances of generalization or discrimination.

Correct Answers:

Situation 1: Discrimination
Situation 2: Generalization
Situation 3: Discrimination
Situation 4: Discrimination
Situation 5: Generalization
Situation 6: Generalization

Instructions: Below are 4 everyday situations in which some form of operant behavior is occurring. After reading each scenario, indicate whether it is an instance of generalization or discrimination.

Situation 1:

We stop our vehicles when the traffic light is red, but continue through the light when it is green.

Situation 2:

We sit quietly in our seats during class examinations, church services, theatrical presentations, and funerals.

Situation 3:

We raise our hands before speaking in class but not while talking to a friend or while at a party.

Situation 4:

We put our feet up on our desk and coffee table at home, but not on our grandparents' coffee table.

Situation 5:

We mistake a stranger for a friend of ours.

Situation 6:

We answer the doorbell when it was really the phone that was ringing.