VB & RFT Focus Pack: The Basics | 4 BCBA CEUs

Description

Begin exploring the differences and similarities between B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior (VB) and relational frame theory (RFT) with this collection of article quizzes. You will learn how RFT extends Skinner’s interpretation of metaphor, an approach to synthesizing both RFT and Skinner’s VB, and an overview of what RFT is and why it has been controversial in behavior analysis.

This focus pack includes the following article quizzes and a 10-question final quiz:

Article Quiz: Understanding Metaphor: A Relational Frame Perspective

Read the following article (reading time: 42 min) and pass an 8-question quiz on it:

• Stewart, I. & Barnes-Holmes, D. (2001). Understanding metaphor: A relational frame perspective. The Behavior Analyst, 24 (2), 191-199. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392030
• Abstract: The current article presents a basic functional-analytic interpretation of metaphor. This work involves an extension of Skinner’s (1957) interpretation of metaphor using relational frame theory (RFT). A basic RFT interpretation of a particular metaphor is outlined, according to which the metaphor acquires its psychological effects when formal stimulus dimensions are contacted via the derivation of arbitrary stimulus relations. This interpretation sees the metaphor as involving four elements: (a) establishing two separate equivalence relations, (b) deriving an equivalence relation between these relations, (c) discriminating a formal relation via this equivalence-equivalence relation, and (d) a transformation of functions on the basis of the formal relation discriminated in the third element. In the second half of the paper, a number of important issues with regard to the RFT interpretation of metaphor are addressed.
  
• View Full Article

Article Quiz: Relational Frame Theory and Skinner’s Verbal Behavior: A Possible Synthesis

Read the following article (reading time: 1 hr 19 min) and pass an 8-question quiz on it:

• Barnes-Holmes, D., Barnes-Holmes, Y., & Cullinan, V. (2000). Relational frame theory and Skinner’s verbal behavior: A possible synthesis. The Behavior Analyst, 23 (1), 69-84. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392000
• Abstract: The current article suggests a possible synthesis of Skinner’s (1957) treatment of verbal behavior with the more recent behavioral interpretation of language known as relational frame theory. The rationale for attempting to combine these two approaches is first outlined. Subsequently, each of the verbal operants described by Skinner is examined and subjected to a relational frame analysis. In each case, two types of operants are identified; one based on direct contingencies of reinforcement and the other based on arbitrarily applicable relational responding. The latter operants are labeled verbal because they can be distinguished from other forms of social behavior, and they appear to possess the symbolic or referential qualities often ascribed to human language. By applying relational frame theory to Skinner’s verbal operants, we aim to contribute towards the development of a modem behavior-analytic research agenda in human language and cognition.
  
• View Full Article

Article Quiz: Relational Frame Theory: An Overview of the Controversy

Read the following article (reading time: 56 min) and pass an 8-question quiz on it:

• Gross, A. C., & Fox, E. J. (2009). Relational frame theory: An overview of the controversy. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 25 (1), 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393073
• Abstract: Although Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957) was published over 50 years ago, behavior-analytic research on human language and cognition has been slow to develop. In recent years, a new behavioral approach to language known as relational frame theory (RFT) has generated considerable attention, research, and debate. The controversy surrounding RFT can be difficult to fully appreciate, partly because of the complexity of the theory itself and partly because the debate has spanned several years and several journals. The current paper aims to provide a concise overview of RFT and a summary of key points of debate and controversy.
• View Full Article

Final Quiz

A final, 10-question quiz that encourages comparison and synthesis of the three articles.