Nonautomated Procedures in Derived Stimulus Relations Research: A Methodological Note

Abstract

Nonautomated or tabletop procedures are widely used in derived stimulus relations research. These procedures offer several advantages to the researcher, not least of which is the interactive format of the task. However, this feature is often criticized because of the possibility of experimenter cuing and imprecise experimental control over task presentations. These limitations, combined with the considerable procedural differences that exist between studies, suggest that a review of nonautomated procedures in derived stimulus relations research is warranted. The present paper will consider some of the methodological features of nonautomated procedures including experimental setting and sessions, task format, experimenter training, response definition, reinforcer delivery, intertrial intervals, and interobserver reliability. Basic methodological safeguards will be proposed to ensure that experimental control is rigorously maintained in future research with nonautomated procedures.