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Preserved nodal number effects under equal reinforcement.

Ting Wang1, Charlotte Dack, Louise McHugh

  • 1Psychology Department, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom. t.wang@swansea.ac.uk

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|February 3, 2011
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Summary

Nodal number effects in stimulus equivalence are not caused by unequal reinforcement. This study found these effects persist even with equal reinforcement, particularly when measured by response speed and transfer-of-function tests.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Learning Theory

Background:

  • Previous research suggested nodal number effects in stimulus equivalence might be artifacts of training structures causing unequal reinforcement.
  • This study aimed to isolate the nodal number effect from potential confounding variables like differential reinforcement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that nodal number effects in stimulus equivalence are independent of differential reinforcement.
  • To investigate the influence of training structure and reinforcement conditions on nodal number effects.
  • To determine the sensitivity of different measurement methods (response speed, accuracy, transfer-of-function) to nodal effects.

Main Methods:

  • Three experiments were conducted involving the training of multi-member stimulus equivalence classes.
  • Conditions included equal and unequal reinforcement schedules, with and without limited hold.
  • Nodal effects were assessed using response speed, accuracy, and transfer-of-function tests.

Main Results:

  • A significant nodal effect was observed in equal reinforcement, no-limited-hold conditions.
  • Nodal effects were clearly demonstrated in equal reinforcement conditions during transfer-of-function tests.
  • The findings indicate that nodal number effects are independent of differential reinforcement.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides evidence that nodal number effects in stimulus equivalence are robust and not solely due to differential reinforcement.
  • Transfer-of-function tests are the most sensitive measure for detecting nodal effects, followed by response speed, and then response accuracy.