Introductory Concepts
Elementary Relationships
Extensions of Verbal Behavior
Multiple Controlling Relationships
Building on the Elementary Relationships
;

25.3 Number of Shared Features

To say “dog” when seeing a fox is quite likely; to say “dog” when seeing a shetland pony for the first time is not so likely. This is because the fox has many of the relevant features that control the response “dog,” but a shetland pony has only a few of the relevant features that control the response.

A metaphorical cartoon of a boy conversing with a fox.

quite likely

A boy is next to a horse with a speech bubble that says dog, illustrating shared features.

not so likely

Stimulus Features of “Dog”

Fur

Barking

Four legs

Canine teeth

Claws

Tail

Size

Color

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