Analyzing the transformation of electrodermal functions on the relational networking by comparison

• Grant number: 23/18148-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: João Henrique de Almeida
• Grantee: Gabriel Hideki Simões Oshiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Experimental studies have repeatedly demonstrated that, from the establishment of some relations among stimuli, others, untrained, can be demonstrated. The Relational Frame Theory presents an alternative interpretation to explain these phenomena, called derived, and proposes that contextual control would allow the establishment of a varied number of relational frames, in other words, different ways of responding by relating events. A previous study showed that in very simple two-stimuli relation the transformation of eliciting functions into comparison relations. The focus of the present work will be to verify this same transformation in relational networks of comparison, including a larger number of elements. To do so, 12 university participants will undergo experimental tasks involving the learning of comparison relations, employing mutual implication, combinatorial implication, and the establishment of relational networks. Using electrodermal activity data, we will analyze participants' responses on different levels or Relational complexity. Thus, the study aims to advance by investigating function transformations at different levels of relational development, as proposed by the Hyper-Dimensional, Multi-Level Organization (HDML). This investigation, not conducted until now, will allow the exploration of the potential of this explanation for more complex relations, verifying the possibility of the transformation of eliciting functions