How to Build and How not to Build an Implicit Measure in Behavior Analysis: A case Study Using the Function...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Psychological Measurement

Background:

• The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a popular measure of implicit associations but suffers from conceptual and methodological limitations.
• Existing behavioral alternatives, such as the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), have inherited some of these limitations.
• A behavior-analytic framework emphasizes stimulus control as crucial for understanding implicit measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a behavior-analytic critique of the IAT and IRAP.
• To introduce the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST) as a behavior-analytic alternative.
• To highlight the importance of stimulus control in the development of implicit measures.

Main Methods:

• Critique of the theoretical underpinnings and procedural artifacts of the IAT and IRAP from a behavior-analytic perspective.
• Review of early research studies foundational to the development of a new behavioral measure.
• Description of stepwise research employing behavior-analytic methods to refine the FAST procedure.

Main Results:

• The IAT and IRAP are shown to have significant limitations due to their cognitive origins and methodological issues.
• The FAST procedure is presented as a theoretically sound and methodologically robust behavior-analytic alternative.
• The development of FAST is rooted in empirical research and adherence to behavior-analytic principles.

Conclusions:

• A behavior-analytic approach, prioritizing stimulus control, is essential for developing accurate implicit measures.
• The FAST offers a scientifically rigorous alternative for assessing stimulus relations, overcoming the limitations of previous implicit measures.
• Future research should continue to refine and validate the FAST within the behavior-analytic framework.