On the Necessity of Structure in an Arbitrary World

Abstract

The term response generalization has been poorly defined and has, over many years, been a source of controversy for applied researchers who must grapple with results that show changes in behaviors outside of the response class targeted by their intervention. The present discussion seeks to differentiate response generalization from such terms as response covariation and induction. Instead, response generalization is redefined in the context of response classes and concurrent schedules of reinforcement.

Key Words:

• Structure
• response class
• response generalization
• response covariance
• concurrent schedules
• induction
• organizational behavior management