One of the key objectives in AppliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... Analysis (ABA) is to teach behaviors that extend beyond the training environment. This is where generalizationGeneralization refers to the ability of a learner to apply a... comes into play. It’s not just about mastering a skill in one setting; it’s about applying that skill in various environments and contexts, ensuring that the behavior is meaningful in real-life situations.
There are two primary types of generalization to consider: stimulus generalizationStimulus Generalization occurs when a behavior that is l... and response generalizationResponse Generalization occurs when an individual engages ....
1. Stimulus Generalization
StimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or for... generalization occurs when a behavior learned in responseA response is a single occurrence or instance of a behavi... to one stimulus is exhibited in the presence of another, similar stimulus. For example, if a child learns to recognize a picture of a stop sign, they should also be able to identify different stop signs in various locations, regardless of slight changes in size or color.
Example:
A child who learns to identify an apple from a picture should be able to generalize this skill to recognize a real apple when they encounter it in the real world.
2. Response Generalization
Response generalization refers to the occurrence of a different, but functionally similar behavior, following the training of a target behavior. For instance, if a child is taught to build a tower with blocks, they may also start using the same set of blocks to create other structures like bridges or houses.
Example:
A child who is trained to stack blocks to build a tower might generalize this skill to building other creative structures like bridges or walls.
How to Teach for Generalization
Achieving successful generalization requires careful planning and specific teaching strategies. Here are several methods to help promote generalization:
1. Teach Sufficient Stimulus Examples
This ensures that learners can respond correctly to a variety of stimulus conditions, promoting generalization to untaught examples.
Example:
When teaching a child to identify animals, expose them to various pictures of different animals to ensure they can generalize this skill to new, unfamiliar examples.
2. Teach Sufficient Response Examples
Multiple Exemplar Training offers practice with various forms of response, facilitating response generalization.
Example:
If you’re teaching a child to tie their shoes, provide them with different types of shoes to practice with, ensuring the skill generalizes to other footwear.
3. Reinforce Response Variability
Encourage a range of diverse and valued responses to foster adaptability and creativity.
Example:
In a classroom setting, encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas about a topic, promoting diverse responses.
4. Use a Lag Reinforcement Schedule
This strategy involves reinforcing responses that differ from previous ones, encouraging response variabilityIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), variability refers to th....
Example:
If teaching a child to read, provide reinforcement when they choose to read different types of books, genres, or topics.
5. General Case Analysis
This systematic approach involves selecting teaching examples that represent a wide range of stimulus variations and response requirements, ensuring comprehensive skill transfer.
Example:
When teaching a child to recognize numbers, use various fonts, colors, and sizes to help them generalize the ability to identify numbers in any context.
6. Use Negative Teaching Examples
Explicitly instruct on when not to use a specific behavior. This sharpens stimulus controlStimulus Control occurs when a behavior is modified—ei... and helps learners understand when a behavior is appropriate.
Example:
When teaching a child to raise their hand in class, also provide examples of when not to raise their hand, like during a fire drill.
Maximizing Reinforcement in Generalization Settings
Reinforcement is key to sustaining generalization. Here are ways to ensure behaviors are maintained across various environments:
1. Teach to Natural Contingencies
The goal is for the behavior to reach a levelIn Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), level refers to the valu... where it is naturally reinforced in the learner’s everyday environment.
Example:
If teaching a child to say “please” when making a request, ensure that the polite behavior is likely to be reinforced by others in their daily interactions.
2. Program Indiscriminable Contingencies
Create situations where the learner cannot predict when reinforcement will occur, making the behavior less reliant on predictable reinforcement.
Example:
If teaching a child to clean up toys, provide reinforcement on an intermittent schedule so the child does not rely on receiving reinforcement every time.
3. Use Intermittent Schedules of Reinforcement
Reinforce behaviors intermittently to promote sustained behavior change over time.
Example:
When teaching a child to complete their homework, occasionally reward their efforts rather than reinforcing the behavior after each homework session.
4. Use Delayed Rewards
Teach the learner that performing the target behavior now may lead to a reward later, helping to foster patience and understanding of long-term goals.
Example:
If teaching a child to save money, explain that by saving now, they’ll be able to afford a bigger or more desirable item in the future.
5. Set Behavior Traps
Design interrelated contingencies that create lasting behavior change.
Example:
In a classroom, set up a system where students earn class-wide rewards by meeting certain behavioralBehavioral refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applie... goals.
6. Recruit Reinforcement
Teach the learner to perform actions that prompt reinforcement from their environment.
Example:
If teaching a child to complete chores, make sure they understand that doing so may lead to praise or other rewards from parents or caregivers.
Potential Issues with Generalization
1. Overgeneralization
Overgeneralization occurs when a behavior is applied in inappropriate situations, due to an overly broad understanding of the stimulus classStimulus Class refers to a group of stimuli that share a s....
Example:
A child might overgeneralize by labeling all four-legged animals as “dogs.”
2. Faulty Stimulus Control
This happens when a behavior is controlled by an irrelevant or inappropriate stimulus.
Example:
If a child only recognizes a restroom when they see a specific icon, they may have difficulty identifying other restrooms without that specific symbol.
3. Contingency Adduction
This involves combining separate, previously learned behaviors to form a new behavior.
Example:
A child who learns to greet others and ask for help may combine these skills to start conversations and seek assistance when needed.
4. Generalization Across Subjects
This refers to changes in behavior that occur when contingencies are applied to other people.
Example:
If a teacher praises one student for participating, other students may become more likely to participate as well.
Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Success
MaintenanceMaintenance is the continued occurrence of a learned behav... refers to the continued use of the desired behavior even after the intervention is removed. It’s critical to assess whether the learner still engages in the behavior over time and in different settings.
Example:
After teaching a child to label colors, check if they can still correctly identify colors months later without ongoing instruction.
Modifying and Terminating Interventions
Once objectives have been met, interventions should be carefully scaled back, ensuring that behavior change is maintained.
Example:
If an intervention has successfully reduced aggressive behavior, gradually reduce the intervention while monitoring for sustained progress.
Conclusion
Generalization is a key goal in ABA, ensuring that skills learned in a controlled environment transfer to real-life settings. Through careful planning, varied teaching methods, and reinforcement strategies, you can help learners apply their new skills across different contexts and sustain them for the long term.
By mastering generalization techniques, behavior analysts ensure that the behaviors they teach become meaningful, lasting, and adaptable to a range of environments.