Do Shared S-minus Functions Among Stimuli Lead to Equivalence?

We examined the claim that equivalence classes contain all positive elements in a reinforcement contingency by asking whether negative stimuli in a reinforcement contingency will also form an equivalence class, based on their shared function as S-minus stimuli. In Experiment 1, 5 subjects were tested for equivalence for positive and negative stimuli. Testing of positive stimuli preceded testing of negative stimuli. Two of five subjects demonstrated equivalence for positive stimuli, and three subjects demonstrated equivalence for negative stimuli. In Experiment 2, order of testing was reversed. Four of six subjects demonstrated equivalence for positive stimuli, and none demonstrated equivalence for negative stimuli. In Experiment 3, positive and negative stimuli were tested together. Only one of five subject demonstrated equivalence for positive and negative stimuli. These data suggest that negative stimuli may enter an equivalence class, and so Sidman paradigm should be expanded. Order of testing was found as a meaningful variable.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2005

Author dc:creator

• Kassif-Weiss, Sivan O.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Vaidya, Manish
• Glenn, Sigrid S., 1939-

• Operant conditioning.
• Conditioned response.
• Reinforcement (Psychology)
• S-minus functions
• order of testing
• equivalence
• functional classes
• negative stimuli

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Kassif-Weiss, Sivan O.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 68179007
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4863/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4863

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4863