Stimulus generalization of an instrumental response as a function of the number of reinforced trials.

Abstract

Following various schedules of training to a size- brightness stimulus, albino rats were tested for response strength to adjacent stimuli on the continuum. Results were: (1) Response strength to the generalized stimulus was found at all levels of training to be inversely related to the distance of that stimulus from the training stimulus. (2) All generalization gradients obtained were negatively accelerated when the response measure was plotted as a function of log area. (3) As the number of reinforced trials to the training stimulus was increased the height of the generalization gradient increased. (4) As the number of reinforced trials to the training stimulus was increased, both absolute and relative generalization increased throughout the range investigated. (5) When both the training and stimulus dimensions were investigated there resulted a family of curves which is dependent upon both exptl. variables and upon the criterion employed.