Transfer-of-Function and Novel Emergent Relations Using Simple Discrimination Training Procedures

Author(s)

Canovas, Daniela de Souza ^{[1, 2]} ; Debert, Paula ^{[1, 2]} ; Pilgrim, Carol ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Expt Psychol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Natl Inst Sci & Technol Behav Cognit & Teaching I, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ N Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28401 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD; v. 65, n. 2, p. 337-346, JUN 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

The present study investigated whether simple discrimination procedures produce emergent relations that are consistent with functional and equivalence classes. In Experiment 1, 4 normally capable adults were exposed to simple successive discrimination reversal training. Responses to the S+ (A1, B1, and C1) but not S- (A2, B2, and C2) were reinforced. The participants were then exposed to repeated-reversal training, followed by tests of emergent equivalence relations. In Experiment 2, 4 additional adults were exposed to a simple successive discrimination training procedure using differential responses. Response 1 (R1) was reinforced only when emitted in the presence of A1, B1, or C1 (A1-R1, B1-R1, or C1-R1). Response 2 (R2) was reinforced only in the presence of A2, B2, or C2 (A2-R2, B2-R2, or C2-R2). A new response was then trained in the presence of 1 member of each class (A1-R3, A2-R4). A transfer-of-function test was then conducted to verify whether the new responses would be emitted in the presence of B1, B2, C1, and C2. In both experiments, emergent conditional relations were tested using a go/no-go procedure with compound stimuli. In Experiment 1, all of the participants showed functional classes, and 3 showed patterns that are consistent with the formation of equivalence classes. In Experiment 2, all 4 participants showed patterns that are consistent with functional and equivalence class formation. In these experiments, simple discrimination training generated a range of emergent stimulus relations that mirrored those that are indicative of equivalence class formation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/06422-6 - Reversals of simple sucessive discrimination and equivalence classes
• Grantee: Daniela de Souza Canovas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 08/57705-8 - Institute for the Study of Behavior, Cognition and Teaching
• Grantee: Deisy das Graças de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants