Empirical Analysis of Derived Hierarchical Responding

This study examined how derived hierarchical responses can be brought under experimental control from Relational Frame Theory. Nine adults completed four phases: (1) familiarization with tasks and procedure; (2) training of four relational cues: Sameness (Sa), Distinction (Di), Inclusion-Sameness (IncSa), and Inclusion-Distinction (IncDi); (3) training of four arbitrary networks, one per cue, assigning functions to stimuli; and (4) tests of derived relations and functions. Six participants responded correctly on all tests, two did so partially, and one failed. Findings extend previous evidence showing more complex derived patterns. Implications and limitations are discussed.