Establishing derived reinforcers via stimulus equivalence

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Learning Sciences
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Stimulus equivalence demonstrates that if one stimulus in a class acquires a function, it transfers to all members.
• Research extensively covers the transfer of discriminative functions, but less is known about the transfer of reinforcing functions.
• Derived reinforcers are those that acquire their value indirectly through their relationship with other stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transfer of reinforcing functions within established stimulus equivalence classes.
• To determine if conditional discrimination training can establish derived reinforcers in neurotypical adults.
• To expand on previous research by examining the establishment and transfer of derived reinforcing functions.

Main Methods:

• Established three 4-member stimulus equivalence classes with six neurotypical adults.
• Used conditional discrimination training to correlate one stimulus member with reinforcement.
• Tested for the transfer of the reinforcing function to other members of the equivalence classes.

Main Results:

• Five out of six participants demonstrated the transfer of the reinforcing function to derived reinforcers.
• Three participants needed additional training or testing to show the transfer of function.
• Stimulus equivalence training proved effective in establishing derived reinforcers.

Conclusions:

• Conditional discrimination training is a viable method for establishing derived reinforcers.
• Stimulus equivalence provides a robust framework for understanding and creating new reinforcing functions.
• The findings support the broader application of stimulus equivalence principles in various learning contexts.