What is Generalization?
Generalization in psychology and education refers to the ability to apply knowledge or skills learned in one context to new situations or contexts. It’s a crucial aspect of learning and cognitive development.
In learning theory, generalization occurs when a learned response is elicited by a new stimulus similar to the original stimulus used in training. For example, a child who learns to be cautious around a hot stove may generalize this caution to other potentially dangerous objects.
In education, the goal is often to promote generalization so that students can apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. This might involve teaching problem-solving strategies that can be used across different subjects or encouraging students to find connections between different areas of study.
Generalization is also important in behavioral psychology, where therapists aim to help clients apply skills learned in therapy to their everyday lives.