What term describes the phenomenon where one response leads to other related responses without additional training?

The phenomenon where one response leads to other related responses without additional training is known as response generalization. This concept refers to the occurrence of new responses that are similar in nature to the originally trained response, which can happen in a variety of contexts. For instance, if a child learns to say "dog" when they see a golden retriever, they might also start to identify other breeds as "dog" even though they were not specifically taught those words.

Response generalization highlights the ability of behavior to transfer across different but related situations or similar stimuli, which often enhances learning and functional skills without the need for repetitive and direct instruction for each instance. In applied behavior analysis, fostering response generalization is beneficial as it allows individuals to apply learned behaviors in varied environments, making their learning more robust and functional.

Other options refer to different concepts. Response continuity typically relates to the consistency of responses over time. Response variation deals with differences in responses that may not relate to learned stimuli, and response chaining is a term that refers to linking multiple behaviors in a sequence to accomplish a complex task, rather than the spontaneous emergence of related responses.