Association for Behavior Analysis International

This symposium will span multiple novel and innovative areas of investigation in relational frame theory (RFT) research. The presentations will include 1) translational research that incorporates neurological measures when engaging in derived relational responding (e.g., eye gaze patterns, electroencephalography, and blood-oxygen-level-dependent signals during functional magnetic resonance imaging); 2) an extension of Relational Density Theory research via an evaluation of differences between coherent and non-coherent relational classes when both classes are exposed to coherence training, using the Multidimensional Scaling Procedure to model results; 3) the effect of perspective taking and values consistency tasks on an implicit racial bias measure via the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure; and finally 4) survey results that sought to characterize the current state of knowledge of?perceptions?of RFT and equivalence-based instruction, educational experiences, and barriers that researchers and practitioners might encounter in interpreting and implementing derived stimulus relations research. In sum, presentations 1-3 seek to advance the state of knowledge of complex concepts and the measurement and application of those concepts, while presentation 4 seeks to shed light on potential gaps in knowledge in the field to make use of the above advances.

Behavior analysts, students, and faculty

The current study investigated the effect of perspective taking and values consistency tasks on implicit racial bias. Using a?repeated measures design with control group, 39 participants who identified as White were administered the IRAP. All participants in both groups completed the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), the Modified Modern Racism Scales (MMRS), and Likert scale and the Valuing Questionnaire (VQ).?Experimental group participants completed brief values consistency and perspective taking tasks. The IRAP effect was demonstrated favoring pro-White bias. A statistically significant impact for interaction between condition and trial type was found for the Consistent-White trial type. A statistically significant difference was also found between the control and experimental group for the Inconsistent Black trial type. Recommendations for future research are presented.?

To broadly predict and influence human behavior, behavior analysts must have competence in ostensibly unique human behavior – verbal behavior. At this time, Relational Frame Theory (RFT), a contemporary theory of verbal behavior, is not an explicitly required area of instruction for board certified behavior analysts (BCBA). Consequently, practice in the field may not be fully informed by RFT and related content areas and, reciprocally, the field may not be capitalizing on opportunities for translational research that would extend the generality of RFT and conceptually related research areas. As an initial step in promoting the use of RFT and derived stimulus relations in practice, we sought to characterize the current state of knowledge of these content areas among BCBAs. Original data related to the acceptability and prevalence of training in RFT and complex discriminative control of behavior will be presented and discussed. Specifically, we conducted a survey of BCBAs (n=127) to determine their (1) perceptions of RFT and Equivalence-Based Instruction (EBI), (2) educational experiences and knowledge of these content areas, and (3) barriers to carrying out derived stimulus relations research and practice. Results indicate that both RFT and EBI are mostly acceptable and perceived to be within the scope of behavior analysis. Results, however, also indicate a gap related to knowledge of and competence in carrying out EBI and RFT research and practice. Cultural variables within behavior analysis that may influence the preparedness of researchers and practitioners to influence large scale behavior change will be examined.