Derived Stimulus Relations (B15) | BCBA® Task List Study Guide
Derived stimulus relations, often associated with relational frame theory, encompass the concepts of reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity. While these topics can be complex, we can simplify them by relating them to matching-to-sample procedures. By understanding these three terms, we can delve into the formation of equivalence classes and explore how untrained relationships emerge. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamentals of derived stimulus relations and their practical applications.
Reflexivity: Generalized Identity Matching
Reflexivity is the most basic probe of derived stimulus relations. It involves exact matching to sample or identical matching. In other words, it represents A equals A, B equals B, and C equals C. For instance, when presented with a B2 sample and a field of B1, B2, and B3, the learner would choose B2 because it is identical to the sample. Similarly, when given a picture of an apple as a sample, the learner would select the picture of an apple from an array of fruits. Reflexivity is a trained relation that establishes equivalence between identical stimuli.
Symmetry: Reversibility of Sample and Comparison
Symmetry involves the reversibility of a sample and a comparison. It signifies A equals B and B equals A. For example, after learning to select B1 in the presence of A1, if presented with A1, the learner would choose B1. This symmetry arises due to the ability to reverse the relationship between the sample and the comparison stimuli. To illustrate this, consider teaching the word “apple” (A) to match a picture of an apple (B). Later, when presenting the picture of an apple (B), the learner matches it towards the word “apple” (A). Symmetry is a trained relation that demonstrates reversibility.
Transitivity: Untrained Emergence of Relations
Transitivity represents the untrained emergence of relations between stimuli that were never directly trained or presented together. It follows the pattern of A equals B, B equals C, therefore A equals C. Transitivity is an unlearned relation that is derived from reflexivity and symmetry. To assess transitivity, an equivalence test is conducted. For instance, after training A equals B and A equals C, the learner should demonstrate that B equals C without explicit training. Transitivity allows us to establish relationships between stimuli that have not been explicitly taught or presented together.
Practical Implications and Everyday Examples:
Derived stimulus relations are not limited to experimental settings; they occur naturally in our daily lives. We constantly engage in matching-to-sample processes on a broader scale. For example, when we encounter a situation that resembles a previous experience, we may apply knowledge from that experience to navigate the new context. Derived stimulus relations enable us to make associations and inferences based on previously learned information.