Exploring the Behavioral Dynamics of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure: The Role of Relational Contextual Cues Versus Relational Coherence Indicators as Response Options

Abstract

The current study examined the role of relational contextual cues (Crels) versus relational coherence indicators (RCIs) as response options in the implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP). Fifty-two university undergraduate participants successfully completed two consecutive IRAPs. Both IRAPs were similar except for the response options employed. The Crels similar and different served as response options for one IRAP with the RCIs true and false as response options for the other. The order in which the two different IRAPs were completed was counterbalanced across participants. Although the two types of response options yielded similar effects for the participants’ first exposures to the IRAPs, differences emerged during the second exposures. In addition, one of the four trial types from the IRAP appeared to be particularly sensitive to the Crel–RCI manipulation and the order in which the two types of IRAP blocks were presented (consistent-first versus inconsistent-first with natural verbal relations). The findings highlight the complex behavioral dynamics that may be involved in IRAP performances and suggest that even seemingly trivial components of the procedure require systematic analysis.