Final answer:
Several strategies for promoting the generalization of behavior change include providing natural cues, self-generated mediators, modifying reinforcement contingencies, using relevant stimuli, teaching various responses, incorporating common stimuli, training for natural reinforcement, and reinforcing generalization instances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strategies for promoting generalization of behavior change include several techniques, many of which are intertwined with the principles of operant conditioning. To encourage generalization, where a learned behavior is transferred from the training environment to the natural environment, these strategies can be effective:
Provide cues in the natural environment to signal when the behavior is appropriate.
Incorporate self-generated mediators of generalization, which can be internal cues or strategies that the individual creates to remind themselves of the correct behavior.
Modify contingencies of reinforcement and punishment in the natural environment to make sure that the desired behavior is reinforced in real life.
Incorporate a wide range of relevant stimuli in training situations to prepare for stimulus generalization.
Teach a range of functionally equivalent responses to ensure the individual can adapt the behavior to different situations.
Incorporate common stimuli found in the natural environment into the training phase so there's a clear connection between the training and real-world scenarios.
Train skills that contact natural contingencies of reinforcement, meaning these behaviors are naturally reinforced in the real world.
Reinforce instances of generalization when the individual applies the behavior in new contexts.
Each of these strategies can help ensure that the behavior change is not just limited to a controlled setting, like a classroom or therapy session, but is also evident in everyday situations where the behavior is desirable.