43 STIMULUS EQUIVALENCE

A Derived Relational Account of Cultural Biases

Abstract

A stimulus class can be defined as a group of non-identical stimuli that each occasion a similar response. The primary characteristic is mutual substitutability of class members within a given context and as such each member occasions a similar response. Many stimulus-stimulus relations have been explored and combined into intricate networks of emergent relations. Additional processes such as stimulus generalization, contextual control, and transfer of function combine with derived relational responding to form classes of almost unimaginable size and complexity. The derived relational account has been used to explain more contemporary and socially relevant concepts such as private events, mental disorders, and cultural biases. This chapter will review the literature and provide a partial explanation for prejudice, bias, discrimination, and even racism.

Keywords

stimulus class

antecedent stimulus class

similarity-based classes

nonsimilarity-based classes

stimulus equivalence classes

class-consistent responding

equivalence class formation

discriminative functions

transfer discriminative function

emergent relations

stimulus generalization

contextual control

derived relational responding

equivalence relations

opposition

anxiety

private events

stimulus function transformation.

covert behavior

bi-directional relationship

overt behavior

direct relations

indirect relations

conditional discriminations

matching-to-sample

Self-Assessment Manikin

Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure

transitivity

symmetry

transformation of stimulus function

direct training

About

Leif K. Albright

Bryan J. Blair

Daniel M. Ferman