Which term describes learning to differentiate between similar stimuli?

Which term describes learning to differentiate between similar stimuli?

• A. Generalization Training
• B. Discrimination Learning and Training
• C. Pattern Discrimination
• D. Stimulus Generalization

Answer: (B)

Discrimination learning is the process of learning to distinguish between similar cues and respond differently depending on which cue is present. This relies on differential reinforcement: the correct target stimulus is reinforced, while responses to non-target similar stimuli are not. Over time, the learner develops a precise understanding that only the target cue signals the required behavior. For example, teaching a student to press a lever for a specific tone and not for nearby tones leads to differentiated responses rather than a generalized one. Generalization would cause similar cues to elicit the same response, so discrimination learning is the term that captures the act of telling apart closely related stimuli.

Discrimination learning is the process of learning to distinguish between similar cues and respond differently depending on which cue is present. This relies on differential reinforcement: the correct target stimulus is reinforced, while responses to non-target similar stimuli are not. Over time, the learner develops a precise understanding that only the target cue signals the required behavior. For example, teaching a student to press a lever for a specific tone and not for nearby tones leads to differentiated responses rather than a generalized one. Generalization would cause similar cues to elicit the same response, so discrimination learning is the term that captures the act of telling apart closely related stimuli.