Relational Frame Theory in Practice: Evaluating the Efficacy of the PEAK Transformation Module

Author

Jennifer Joy Woods, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2018

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Behavior Analysis and Therapy

First Advisor

Dixon, Mark

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS JENNIFER WOODS, for the Masters of Science degree in BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND THERAPY, presented on DATE OF DEFENSE, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: RELATIONAL FRAME THEORY IN PRACTICE: EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF THE PEAK TRANSFORMATION MODULE MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Mark Dixon PEAK Transformation Module (PEAK-T), is concerned with learning through relations between stimuli. The present study sought to examine the efficacy of nine programs from the PEAK-T module in establishing stimulus relation for each of three children. Reliability, effectiveness and overall variability of skill attainment per selected programs were the variables explored to assess successful skill targeting per the current assessment with respect to identification of appropriate skill intervention. Across a span of 6 weeks, in variance from child to child, the participants were able to derive transformation relations with respect to three programs each. Completion of programs was reported at a rate of 9 out of 9 programs deliniated, and attainment of skills per participant demonstrated a marked increase in skill attainment from baseline to train and test accomplishment. The results are discussed consistent with a Relational Frame Theory account of human language and cognition. Comparisons are also discussed across participants and their ability to demonstrate entailment between relations. Limitations to this study are presented as well as avenues for future research. Keywords: Applied Behavioral Analysis, PEAK, Relational Frame Theory,