Date of Award
12-1-2010
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Behavior Analysis and Therapy
First Advisor
Dixon, Mark
Abstract
The present study extends previous research on self-control procedures and the transformation of stimulus functions. Using a multiple baseline design, participants were exposed to a relational responding task in which attempted to manipulate the functions of stimuli. They were exposed to a preference assessment, a naturalistic baseline, and a choice baseline before the relational training and testing were implemented. This procedure established contextual cues of more-than and less-than when paired with multiple exemplars of the stimuli during training. Re-exposure to the choice baseline was introduced in order to support the transformation of functions. Results are discussed regarding the alteration of preferences from the small, immediate reinforcer initially, to the larger, more delayed reinforcer following the intervention. Implications of the study and future research are also discussed.
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