High Probability of Equivalence Class Formation with Both Sample-S plus and Sample-S- Controlling Relations in Baseline

Author(s)

Arantes, Ana ^[1] ; de Rose, Julio C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD; v. 65, n. 4, p. 743-748, DEC 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

In this study, 4 school children learned AB, BC, and CD matching relations between three samples and three comparisons. In Condition A, which attempted to ensure development of both sample-S+ and sample-S- controlling relations, trials displayed the sample, the mask, and one comparison (either the S+ or 1 of the possible S-s). Condition B attempted to prevent development of sample-S+ relations in the BC conditional discrimination. It was similar to Condition A except that trials for relation BC always displayed the sample, mask, and S-. Results showed a high probability of equivalence class formation when the structure of trials ensured sample-S+ and sample-S- controlling relations in baseline. Equivalence classes were not formed when sample-S+ relations were prevented in one of the baseline relations. This study confirms previous results suggesting that stimulus equivalence is more probable when the baseline guarantees both sample-S+ and sample-S- relations. (AU)

• 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
• FAPESP's process: 08/06254-6 - Stimulus control topographies and stimulus equivalence
• Grantee: Ana Karina Leme Arantes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate