ABAT Generalization and Maintenance Strategies Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of 'stimulus generalization'?

Answer: A child requests water at home after learning to request at school

Stimulus generalization occurs when a behavior trained in one context occurs in the presence of different but similar stimuli, such as a new setting.

'Response generalization' occurs when:

Answer: Multiple topographically different behaviors emerge after training one behavior

Response generalization refers to the spread of effects to untrained responses that are functionally similar or related to the trained response.

To promote maintenance, a technician should:

Answer: Thin the reinforcement schedule gradually as the skill is mastered

Gradually thinning the reinforcement schedule as mastery is achieved mirrors natural reinforcement conditions and supports durable maintenance.

The 'train and hope' approach to generalization is considered ineffective because:

Answer: It relies on generalization occurring without systematic programming

'Train and hope' assumes generalization will occur automatically without planning for it, which is unreliable and often results in skills failing to transfer.

Using 'natural maintaining contingencies' to support generalization means:

Answer: Identifying and utilizing reinforcement that naturally occurs in the learner's environment

Natural maintaining contingencies are the reinforcers that exist in the natural environment and can sustain a behavior once the formal intervention ends.

Which step in programming generalization involves identifying where and with whom the skill should eventually occur?

Answer: Defining the generalization goal and target environment

Identifying the generalization target environment and people is the first step in systematically programming for generalization so training can be designed accordingly.