There are a number of strategies and tactics that can be utilized to promote Generalized Behavior Change. What are three of these strategies, and how does each one aim to promote generalized behavior change for the learner?
Introduction– Generalized Behavior Change
Generalization is a key component in behavior development and program planning when teaching a new skill. This technique spearheads the occurrence of relevant behavior under distinct non-training situations. Studies show that generalization is limited and more research should be done when applying this strategy. However, Strokes and Baer (1977) invented nine strategies that promote generalization. These strategies can be used to enhance this application. They improve the tactic since they cover the limitations that generalization exhibits. In this paper, we shall discuss three strategies that include; multiple exemplars, training loosely, and programming common stimuli (Stokes & Baer, 1977).
Multiple exemplar training is a collective response to stimuli and responses. The responses are both done by the trainer and the student. The teacher is obligated to reply to various forms of conversations to provide the best exemplar. For instance, the trainer can teach the learner the different forms of greetings that include “Hello”, “Hi” “good morning”, “greetings to you” among others. Also, this should be accompanied by non-exemplars such as “take care”, “excuse me please” and “goodbye” (Stokes & Baer, 1977). This strategy promotes generalization because the combination of various exemplars sharpens stimulus control and ensures the learner differentiates the stimulus that should evoke the target behavior.
Training loosely is the use of various exemplars when training targeted behavior. The teacher randomly varies the uncritical concepts of instructional setting in all the teaching sessions. This strategy promotes generalizations by including various non-critical stimuli which creates a chance for the exhibition of the stimuli present in non-training settings (Stokes & Baer, 1977). The last technique is programming common stimuli. This method basically generalizes behavior across all the settings. This technique supports generalization by presenting the salient stimuli during the teaching sessions and in generalization settings. This method enhances generalization among individuals with mental disorders.
Conclusion-Generalized Behavior Change
Multiple exemplars, training loosely, and programming common stimuli are among the techniques that promote generalization. These methods enable the trainer to combine multiple exemplars in training, either through the use of peers as teachers or by programming common stimuli. Training loosely enhances the learner’s future response to instructions, and this improves generalization.
Reference
Stokes, T. F., & Baer, D. M. (1977). An implicit technology of generalization 1. Journal of applied behaviour analysis, 10(2), 349-367.