On a recent visit to the doctor, Jasmine was given a painful injection. Since then, Jasmine not only refuses to go to the same doctor, but also will not go to see any doctor or dentist. Jasmine’s refusal behaviour is an example of Stimulus generalisation. Stimulus discrimination. Punishment. Extinction.

Stimulus generalization

Explanation:

Stimulus generalization in psychology, can be defined as an occurrence whereby an individual tends to respond to a stimuli the same way the individual responded to a previous similar stimuli.

For example, the painful experience on Jasmine's recent visit to the doctor who gave her a painful injection has made her to refuse going to the same doctor. Not only does Jasmine respond to this same doctor, but also responded in the same way towards any other doctor or dentist by refusing to see anyone of them.

Jasmine's refusal behavior is an example of stimulus generalization.