THE STRUCTURE OF EQUIVALENCE CLASSES

Abstract

THE STRUCTURE OF EQUIVALENCE CLASSES CAN BE COMPLETELY DESCRIBED BY FOUR PARAMETERS: class size, number of nodes, the distribution of "singles" among nodes, and directionality of training. Class size refers to the number of stimuli in a class. Nodes are stimuli linked by training to at least two other stimuli. Singles are stimuli linked by training to only one other stimulus. The distribution of singles refers to the number of singles linked by training to each node. Directionality of training refers to the use of stimuli as samples and as comparison stimuli in training. These four parameters define the different ways in which the stimuli in a class can be organized, and thus provide a basis for systematically characterizing the properties of stimuli in a given equivalence class. The four parameters can also be used to account for the development of individual differences that are commonly characterized in terms of "understanding" and connotative meaning.Methods are described for generating all possible combinations of parameter values, and a formula is introduced which specifies all of the parameter values for an equivalence class. Its utility for interrelating experimental procedures is demonstrated by analyzing a number of representative experiments that have addressed equivalence-class formation.