When stimulus generalization occurs, ____.
A) the stimulus begins to cause a wide variety of responses
B) the elicitation of a response to the original neutral stimulus becomes extinct
C) a stimulus that has not been directly associated with the unconditioned stimulus begins to cause the conditioned response
D) spontaneous recovery of the original stimulus is no longer possible

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stimulus generalization occurs when a stimulus similar to the original conditioned stimulus also elicits the conditioned response. This means that a new stimulus that has not been directly associated with the unconditioned stimulus can cause the same response. Option A is incorrect because the responses elicited remain the same, just to a similar stimulus. Option B is incorrect because extinction occurs when the conditioned response is no longer elicited by the conditioned stimulus. Option D is incorrect because spontaneous recovery refers to the reappearance of the conditioned response after a rest period, and it is still possible even with stimulus generalization.

When Stimulus Generalization Occurs, ____