Transfer of Consequential Functions VIA Stimulus Equivalence: Generalization to Different Testing Contexts

Abstract

This study investigated the role of generalization in the transfer of consequential functions through stimulus equivalence classes. In Phase 1, 12 subjects were trained in AB, AC conditional discriminations and tested for the emergence of three 3-member equivalence classes. In Phase 2, reinforcement and punishment functions were trained to B1 and B3, respectively. In Phase 3, the B functions were tested in a matching-to-sample task, and then the transfer of function from the Bs to the Cs was tested in a letter-choice task. Seven subjects showed generalization from matching-to-sample to the letter-choice task and transfer of function in Phase 3. A series of tests in Phase 4 assessed whether generalization was involved in the failure of transfer of function for the remaining five subjects. For 4 of these subjects, when generalization of the B functions was brought about, transfer of function also occurred. The remaining subject showed generalization but not transfer of function. These results suggest that transfer of function in stimulus equivalence is contextually controlled and interacts with basic processes such as generalization in predictable ways.