Classical conditioning in the generalization of stimulus control: A case report

Abstract

There are several reports in the literature of the problem of generalizing discriminative stimulus control from the original therapist conducting treatment to other therapists. This problem is most acutely felt in residential institutions, where difficulties exist in using methods such as multiple therapist training, because of traditional staff resistance to training. Using principles of classical conditioning, as was done here, provides a rapid and effective means of generalizing stimulus control. By yoking naive therapists to the original therapist (who serves as SD), the naive therapists acquire SD properties.