Effect of single setting versus multiple setting training on learning to shop in a department store

The effects of single versus multiple setting training on the generalization of shopping skills to untrained department stores were analyzed. One group received training in a single department store and the other, in three different stores. Measures were taken on operational behaviors, social behaviors, number of settings in which criterion performance was achieved, and number of sessions required to achieve criterion within the training settings. No differences between groups were found as a result of training condition. We concluded that for some individuals with mental retardation, training in either single or multiple settings may be sufficient for generalization.