Chapter 19 — Generalization & Maintenance

Question 1

What is generalization?

Answer 1

Behaviour that occurs in the presence of an S(D) that is similar to that used in training; behaviour change that exists beyond the training program.

Question 2

What are the three kinds of generalization?

Answer 2

• Response maintenance
• Transfer of behaviour across situations and settings
• Response generalization

Question 3

What is response maintenance in generalization?

Answer 3

Extension of behaviour change over time, after the program is no longer in effect.

Question 4

What is transfer of behaviour across situations and settings as generalization?

Answer 4

Behaviour change takes place in new/different settings and circumstances.

Question 5

What is response generalization?

Answer 5

Altering one behaviour leads to similar changes in another, unaddressed response, may be one that is similar or related to the target behaviour.

Question 6

What are the three categories of generalization strategies?

Answer 6

1. Exploit natural contingencies (use ones that occur naturally in environment, include the antecedents and consequences that affect target behaviour)
2. Train diversely (use variations of antecedent stimuli)
3. Incorporate functional mediators

Question 7

What is a mediator?

Answer 7

A stimulus that occurs between training and generalization, and facilitates or promotes generalization (may be an SD).

Question 8

What are strategies of generalization?

Answer 8

• Reinforce generalization
• Training skills that contact natural contingencies of reinforcement

Question 9

What are the steps to setting a behavioural trap?

Answer 9

1. Identify target behaviours
2. Find bait (what do they like?)
3. Set trap (set coveted materials in target’s path)
4. Maintain trap line (start small, gradually progress to complex behaviour)
5. Appraise your catch (asses changes in target behaviours frequently

Question 10

What is in-situ training?

Answer 10

Training occurs in the natural environment after an in-situ assessment in which the person does not perform the target behaviours (in in-situ assessment the person is unaware of their own assessment).

Question 11

What is general case training/programming?

Answer 11

Using a range of antecedents as well as a range of responses, present a sufficient variety of members of a stimulus class (antecedents) to ensure the person can perform the task in training and teach learner to apply functionally equivalent responses.

Question 12

What are the steps in implementing generalization strategies?

Answer 12

1. Identify the target stimulus situations for the behaviour (determine appropriate times for the target before training)
2. Identify natural contingencies of reinforcement for the behaviour
3. Implement appropriate strategies to promote generalization
4. Measure generalization of behaviour change

Question 13

What is a booster program?

Answer 13

Additional intervention sessions carried out to restore the original program’s training.

Question 14

What is generalization probe?

Answer 14

Trials that check whether the person performs the behaviour with relevant, natural antecedents/contexts.