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Understanding complex behavior: the transformation of stimulus functions.

S Dymond¹, R A Rehfeldt

¹Departmentof Psychology, Anglia Polytechnic University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, United Kingdom. s.dymond@anglia.ac.uk

The Behavior Analyst

|April 6, 2012

Summary

Stimulus functions can transform based on derived relations without new training. This review examines research on stimulus function transformation and proposes relational frame theory for broader application.

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Area of Science:

Behavioral psychology
Cognitive science
Learning theory

Background:

The transformation of stimulus functions occurs when one stimulus's functions alter another's based on derived relations.
This phenomenon is well-documented across various derived stimulus relations, behavioral functions, and experimental settings.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing research on the transformation of stimulus functions.
To identify and discuss key methodological and conceptual issues requiring further investigation.
To advocate for the use of relational frame theory terminology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on stimulus function transformation.
Analysis of experimental data demonstrating the effect.
Conceptual analysis of theoretical underpinnings.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the transformation of stimulus functions across diverse contexts.
Several methodological and conceptual challenges in the field are highlighted.
The review synthesizes findings from numerous studies.

Conclusions:

The transformation of stimulus functions is a robust phenomenon.
Further research is needed to address identified methodological and conceptual issues.
Relational frame theory provides a unifying framework for understanding this transformation and relational responding.