How can you distinguish between generalisation and discrimination?

Solution

Generalisation: When a learned response occurs or is elicited by a new stimulus it is called generalisation.

Example: Suppose an organism is conditioned to elicit a CR (Saliva secretion or any other reflexive response) on presentation of a CS (light or sound of bell). After conditioning is established, and another stimulus similar to the CS (e.g., ringing to telephone) is presented, the organisms make the conditioned response to it. This pehenomenon of responding similarly to similar stimuli is known as generalisation.

Discrimination: Discrimination is a response due to difference.

Example: Suppose a child is conditioned to be afraid of a person with a long moustache and wearing black clothes, in subsequent situation, when she/he meets another person dressed in black clothes with a beard, the child shows signs of fear. The child’s fear is generalised. She/he meets another stranger who is wearing grey clothes and is clean-shaven. The child shows no fear. This is an example of discrimination. Occurrence of generalisation means failure of discrimination. Discriminative response depends on the discrimination capacity or discrimination learning of the organism.

Some More Questions From Learning Chapter

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Learning

How can you distinguish between generalisation and discrimination?

Some More Questions From Learning Chapter

What does the notion of preparedness for learning mean?

Explain the different forms of cognitive learning.

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Define learning.

What is simplest kind of learning?

What are illustrative of learning?

What kind of changes are relatively permanent?

Define performance.

Define conditioning.

Give an example of unconditioned stimulus.

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