“Generalization Behavior Theory in Practice” is a 70s-era color educational documentary explaining Generalization Behavior Theory, an approach to psychology developed by B. F. Skinner. It illustrates techniques of instrumental conditioning, using pigeons, rats, children, and dogs.The documentary examines what stimuli control behavior and how we learn what behavior is appropriate when.

Title page, sound of typing on a typewriter (0:08). Text page “Generalization” – a phenomenon where behavior that has been conditioned in one stimulus situation is likely to occur in other situations (0:15). White pigeon in cage demonstrates “generalization;” Trained to peck interchangeable square whenever it has black circle, however, pigeon continues to peck area even as scientist switches out cards with varying number, hue, and size of shape (0:19-1:39). Text page “Discrimination” – phenomenon where an organism responds differently in different stimulus situations (1:41). Toddler-aged girl plays in backyard garden among plants, uses small plastic shovel to dig soil into bucket (1:57-2:19). Establishing discrimination: White pigeon in cage exhibits “differential reinforcement,” changes behavior/ frequency of pecking as cue card changes between a red and black circle over thirty-second intervals; White graph is overlaid footage for visual representation of difference in behavioral response (2:29). Graph continues to chart difference in behavior during experiment, narrator details difference between SD (stimulus present when behavior is reinforced) and S-delta (stimulus present when behavior is not reinforced) (5:15). Using discrimination to measure sensory capacities of animals vs. humans: Young woman uses telegraph keys to indicate “vernier discrimination” in movement of black plate along a wall (6:44). Return to white pigeon, cue cards now written commands and not shapes (7:38). Woman uses visual SDs (hand signals) in obedience training with German Shepard dog, woman trains dog in grassy area of private backyard (8:54). Another woman stands in same spot as previous owner with another dog (golden German Shepherd) and demonstrates complete obedience routine (9:37). Examples of kinesthetic SDs used in horseback riding: Young man rides horse around makeshift obstacle course (10:45). Examples of SDs that control human behavior: Montage of flashy LED display lights, signage at amusement park and New York City’s Times Square, traffic signs with arrows, traffic officer uses hand signals to control traffic, promotional signs in display windows, FDNY fire truck drives down city street while blaring siren (11:00). Text page “Motivation/ Reinforcer” – any stimulus that increases strength of a behavior (12:13). Scientist feeds applesauce to caged chimpanzee, increases chimps swinging (12:21). How to determine “positive reinforcer” (12:36). Examples of positive reinforcers among humans: Diplomas from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York University (NYU), bunny in cage with first place ribbons, gift certificates, pins and badges on army officer’s uniform (13:24). Generalize reinforcer i.e. praise: Woman from earlier guides German Shepherd through obstacle course, praise dog for job well done (13:40). How to determine “negative reinforcer/ aversive stimulus” (13:59). Example of negative reinforcement through punishment: Rat placed in box, uses lever to feed itself until it learns to stop behavior after series of electric shocks (14:14). Presentation of aversive stimulus (punishment) vs. removal (negative reinforcement); Example of rat and lever pressing used to further explain phenomenon (16:25). “Avoidance Behavior” – response that prevents aversive stimulus: Infant rhesus macaque in small, cramped cage exhibits behavior of claustrophobia while still complying with demand of operating lever within certain time frame (17:35). Experimental procedure on rat: Intracranial self stimulation (ICS), scientists monitors stimulus on oscilloscope and lever press responses recorded on accumulative recorder (19:36). Closing credits (21:40).

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