What occurs when a player applies a skill learned for a 20 foot chip in practice to a 20 foot chip in a championship?

The correct choice is stimulus generalization. This concept refers to the ability to transfer a skill learned in one context to a similar but different context. In this scenario, a player practiced their chipping technique from a distance of 20 feet in practice and is now applying that same technique in a competitive setting with the same distance but under different circumstances (the pressure of a championship). The player's skill has been generalized from the practice environment to the competitive environment because the situations are similar enough for the learned response to remain effective.

In stimulus generalization, the key is the transfer of learned behavior from one specific stimulus to another that shares similar characteristics, which in this case is both the distance from the hole and the nature of the shot—both being a chip shot. The player’s ability to execute this skill effectively in the championship highlights the concept of stimulus generalization, demonstrating how skills can be applicable across somewhat varied situations that maintain certain critical elements.