Malik originally feared great heights, such as standing on top of tall buildings. Now he has also developed fears of flying in airplanes, standing on ladders, and even watching high-wire artists perform. These new fears are probably the result of __________.
A) modeling
B) discrimination
C) stimulus generalization
D) response generalization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stimulus generalization occurs when a response to a specific stimulus is also elicited by similar stimuli. In this case, Malik initially had a fear of standing on top of tall buildings, but now has developed fears of activities that involve heights in general. This suggests that his fear response has generalized to similar stimuli, resulting in the development of new fears.

Malik Originally Feared Great Heights, Such as Standing on Top