GENERALIZATION OF INHIBITION IN ORIENTING RESPONSE

The effects of presenting different numbers of standard stimuli (SS) upon the orienting responses (ORs) to test stimuli (TS) that vary in SS‐TS similarity were examined. Sokolov's theory of the OR was interpreted as predicting an interaction between the number of SS presentations and SS‐TS differences. The prediction was not supported. The data did indicate that (1) prior presentation of SS reduced the ORs to subsequently presented TS and (2) within sequences of SS and TS, OR habituation occurred. SS–TS differences were not significant. The results suggested that theories that assume precise generalization of habituation reconsider that assumption. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved