Eye-Movements, Training Structures, and Stimulus Equivalence Class Formation

Abstract

Research on equivalence class formation as a function of training structure has shown that there are minimal differences between the many-to-one (MTO) and one-to-many (OTM) training structures, and that the linear series (LS) is the least efficient. Moreover, some research has shown that an observing response can affect how fast stimulus equivalence is established. The present study utilized eye-tracking to investigate how different training structures affect equivalence class formation and eye-movements to comparison stimuli. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to undergo one of the three training structures (MTO, OTM, or LS) with the aim of establishing three five-member classes. The main findings were that 10 out of 10 participants in the OTM group and seven of 10 participants in the MTO group responded in accordance with stimulus equivalence, and that none of the 10 participants in the LS group did. Furthermore, eye-tracking data showed a reduction in the number of eye-movements during training, which corresponded with the findings of speed or inversed reaction time to comparison stimuli. Eye-tracking data also gave a more detailed analysis of the development of eye-movements as a function of training structure during stimulus equivalence testing.