Which concept refers to the generalization of a response to stimuli that share features with the original cue?

• A. Data Generalization
• B. Valence of Behavior
• C. Functional Relation
• D. Stimulus Generalization

Answer: (D)

Stimulus generalization is when a response learned to one cue also occurs in the presence of other cues that share features with the original cue. The strength of the generalized response typically decreases as the new stimuli become less similar, creating a gradient of responding. This concept fits the idea of transferring a learned behavior to stimuli that resemble the original cue, not just to the exact same cue. For example, if a dog is conditioned to salivate to a specific bell tone, it may also salivate to tones that are similar in pitch. Data generalization refers to extending findings across settings or data, valence of behavior concerns whether behavior is pleasant or aversive, and functional relation describes how one variable reliably changes another under controlled conditions.