The Effect of Discriminative Training on the Gradient of Stimulus-Generalization

Abstract

The training procedures used in attempts to bring behavior under environmental control fall into two classes. In non-differential training, a selected response is simply reinforced repeatedly in the presence of the chosen stimulus. In differential or discriminative training, two stimuli are used. The response is reinforced in the presence of one stimulus, but not in the presence of another. The 'precision' of the stimulus-control established is indicated by the shape of the gradient of stimulus-generalization. A horizontal gradient covering the entire stimulus-range indicates that the stimulus has no effect on the behavior.