In this article I want to talk about generalization. This is a heavily-researched phenomenon in behavioral science with important safety ramifications. What is it? Generalization has to do with the spread of behaviors, and it occurs two ways. Stimulus generalization describes how a behavior can carry over from one stimulus setting or environment to another. Response generalization refers to how one behavior can lead to another, related behavior.
For example, if a safety training process increases the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on-the-job and at home, stimulus generalization has occurred. Response generalization occurs when an increase in one safety behavior, such as vehicle safety belt use, is accompanied by an increase in another task-related behavior, perhaps turn signal use.