Stimulus Generalization of Skills and Persons with Profound Mental Handicaps

Abstract

This review examines the research that has been conducted documenting stimulus generalization of skills by persons with profound mental handicaps. Twenty five studies were identified and examined for factors that impact on the promotion and assessment of generalization. Studies that indicated successful generalization included some of these characteristics: trained several exemplars, trained behaviors that are likely to be reinforced in natural settings by natural consequences, trained with stimuli common to the generalization setting, trained in environments subjects frequently encounter, trained skills that are functional, and trained skills used in environments where models of behavior will be available. Limitations of current research and recommendations for future research is discussed.