Maintenance of Equivalence Classes and Transfer of Functions: The Role of the Nature of Stimuli

Author(s)

Silveira, Marcelo Vitor ^{[1, 2]} ; Aggio, Natalia Maria ^{[1, 2]} ; Cortez, Mariele Diniz ^{[1, 2]} ; Bortoloti, Renato ^{[3, 2]} ; Rico, Viviane Verdu ^{[3, 2]} ; de Rose, Julio C. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Psicol, Via Washington Luis Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Comportamento Cognicao, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD; v. 66, n. 1, p. 65-74, MAR 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

The present study established three equivalence classes (each comprising nonfamiliar stimuli and a facial expression of emotion) and verified transfer of function among equivalent stimuli with a semantic differential in order to investigate stability over time of both equivalence classes and of transfer of functions. Nonfamiliar stimuli were abstract pictures and the emotions of the facial expression were happiness, anger, and neutrality. A control group evaluated the familiar stimuli from each class. Sixteen college students attained criteria for equivalence class formation. Their evaluations of the nonfamiliar abstract stimuli were similar to the evaluation that control group made of the facial expressions. Thirty days later, participants from the experimental group were resubmitted to the equivalence tests and to the semantic differential device. During maintenance tests, 11 participants attained criterion for maintenance of the happy class, 8 participants for the neutral class, and 6 for the angry class. Participants who maintained performance on equivalence tests maintained performances on the semantic differential device. Participants who failed on maintenance tests also deviated from previous performances on the test for transfer of function. Results indicated valence of stimuli influenced stability of equivalence classes and transfer of function. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/08399-1 - Research on the establishment of "false memories" through the paradigm of Stimulus Equivalence
• Grantee: Natalia Maria Aggio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/12847-2 - Transfer of functions among equivalent stimuli mediated by class-specific reinforcement.
• Grantee: Marcelo Vitor da Silveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/21425-7 - Evaluation of different training parameters in the transfer of meaning between equivalent stimuli
• Grantee: Mariéle de Cássia Diniz Cortez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral