generalization

Meaning: Generalization is when a response learned to one stimulus also occurs to similar stimuli. In classical conditioning, a tone close in pitch to the CS can elicit the CR; in operant conditioning, a pigeon reinforced for pecking a red key may also peck an orange one. Response strength usually weakens as the new stimulus becomes less like the original. Discrimination is the opposite: responding to the trained stimulus but not to similar ones, which develops when only that stimulus is paired with the US or reinforcer.

On the MCAT: A passage describes Little Albert, who was conditioned to fear a white rat and then feared a rabbit and a fur coat. That is generalization. Questions ask which new stimulus would give the strongest response, or what training produces discrimination. In research design, generalizability means results from a sample extend to the wider population, which depends on representative sampling.

Common confusion: Generalization is not higher-order conditioning. There, a neutral stimulus is paired with an established CS and becomes a CS itself. In generalization no new pairing occurs; the response spreads because of resemblance.