In this article, I describe a computer tutorial that teaches the fundamentals of stimulus generalization in operant learning. The content is appropriate for courses in general psychology, learning, and behavioral programming. Concepts covered include reinforcement, discrimination learning, stimulus continua, generalization, generalization gradients, and peak shift. The tutorial also reviews applications in animal and human situations. Student reaction to this form of presentation was very favorable.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BarberL. M. (1994). Learning and behavior: A psychobiological perspective.New York: Macmillan.
2.
BloomB. S. (1971). Mastery learning. In BlockJ. H. (Ed.), Mastery learning: Theory and practice (pp. 47–63). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
3.
ChanceP. (1994). Learning and behavior (3rd ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
4.
DonahoeJ. W.PalmerD. C. (1994). Learning and complex behavior.Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
5.
GrahamR. B. (1994). A computer tutorial for psychology of learning courses. Teaching of Psychology, 21, 115–116.
6.
GrahamR. B. (1997). A computer tutorial on consequences in operant learning. Teaching of Psychology, 24, 216–217.
7.
GuskeyT. R. (1985). Implementing mastery learning. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
8.
HyperCard 2.3 [Computer language]. (1995). Cupertino, CA: Apple Computer Corporation.
9.
JaffeC. C.LynchP. J. (1989), Hypermedia for education in the life sciences, Academic Computing, 4(1), 10–13, 52–57.
10.
KellerF. S. (1968). Goodbye, teacher. Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, 1, 78–89.
11.
LeeM. M.McLeanJ. E. (1978). A comparison of achievement and attitudes among three methods of teaching educational psychology. Journal of Educational Research, 72, 86–90.
12.
LutzJ. (1994). An introduction to learning and memory. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
13.
PearJ. J.NovakM. (1996). Computer-aided personalized system of instruction: A program evaluation. Teaching of Psychology, 23, 119–123.
14.
RobinA. L. (1980). Incorporating concept programs into study guides in a personalized instruction course. Teaching of Psychology, 7, 28–31.
15.
WalkerJ. T. (1995). The psychology of learning.Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
16.
WorthingtonE. L.Jr.WelshJ. A.ArcherC. R.MindesE. J.ForsythD. R. (1996). Computer-assisted instruction as a supplement to lectures in an introductory psychology. Teaching of Psychology, 21, 175–181.