To what does the term stimulus generalization refer?
A) The term refers to the fact that the conditioned response can be elicited by a stimulus that resembles the original CS used during acquisition.
B) The term refers to the fact that, in general, any stimulus can be used as a CS in any classical conditioning situation.
C) The term refers to the fact that, after extinction of a conditioned response, presentation of the CS on the next day will still lead to some conditioned responding.
D) The term refers to the fact that the reason classical conditioning works is because the UR generalizes to the CS.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stimulus generalization refers to the phenomenon where a response that was originally elicited by a specific conditioned stimulus (CS) also occurs when a similar, but not identical, stimulus is present. This means that the conditioned response (CR) is not only elicited by the original CS but also by similar stimuli. Therefore, Choice A is the best answer as it accurately reflects the definition of stimulus generalization. Choice B is incorrect as not all stimuli can be used as a CS in any classical conditioning situation. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to spontaneous recovery, not stimulus generalization. Choice D is incorrect as the UR does not generalize to the CS, but rather the CS becomes associated with the occurrence of the US.

To What Does the Term Stimulus Generalization Refer