Which concept describes when responses to certain stimuli become associated with new stimuli?

The concept that describes when responses to certain stimuli become associated with new stimuli is referred to as stimulus generalization. This phenomenon occurs when an organism responds similarly to different stimuli that are analogous to the original stimuli that elicited a response. For instance, if a dog learns to associate a specific bell sound with food, it may begin to respond to similar bell sounds with the same salivation response, even if they differ in tone or volume.

Stimulus generalization is a critical aspect of learning, as it allows organisms to apply learned responses to a wider range of situations, which can increase their adaptability and survival. This concept highlights how learning is not always limited to one singular stimulus but can extend to similar stimuli based on past experiences.

In contrast, operant conditioning involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments rather than associations with stimuli. A conditioned stimulus refers specifically to a previously neutral stimulus that, through conditioning, has gained the ability to elicit a response. Lastly, a neutral stimulus is one that initially does not elicit any particular response until it is associated with a conditioned stimulus during the learning process. Understanding these distinctions can enhance comprehension of how learning and behavior are shaped in different contexts.