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| International Paper Session - Stimulus Control and Neurobiological Measures |
| Sunday, May 27, 2007 |
| 4:30 PM–5:20 PM |
| Del Mar AB |
| Area: EAB |
| Chair: Melissa J. Allman (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) |
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| Does History Matter? Neuroimaging Equivalence Relations when Base Relations were Reinforced or Paired. |
| Domain: Basic Research |
| MELISSA J. ALLMAN (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Michael W. Schlund (Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Michael F. Cataldo (Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) |
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| Abstract: We are slowly uncovering the neurobiology of derived relational responding (stimulus equivalence, SE). However, what is known to date is based on training involving reinforcement. The primary aim of the investigation presented was to establish whether training history (i.e., ‘how’ trained relations are established) influences subsequent activation during equivalence testing. During training using a one sample-two comparison MTS format, reinforcement was employed to establish base relations within two three-member classes. Concurrently, using a yoked design, a one sample-one comparison ‘pairing’ procedure was employed to establish base relations within two additional three-member classes. Equivalence relations were then assessed during neuroimaging (fMRI). Results revealed that activation patterns (a) differ markedly between reinforced and paired base relations and (b) were relatively similar between corresponding sets of derived relations. These results suggest history may be dissociable between base relations and one primary distributed brain network may be recruited for derived relational responding. The implications of neuroimaging research on SE for understanding equivalence based treatments used in developmental disabilities will also be discussed. |
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| Electrophysiological Activity during Stimulus Class Formation. |
| Domain: Basic Research |
| JON GRETAR SIGURJONSSON (National University of Ireland, Galway), Geraldine Leader (National University of Ireland), Ian T. Stewart (National University of Ireland, Galway) |
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| Abstract: The goal of this research is to chart electrophysiological activity during stimulus class acquisition and the rate of acquisition using different stimulus equivalence training methods. Each type of training will be done using both iconic and abstract stimuli to control for the effects of stimuli on brain activity. Alongside traditional behavioural data, electrophysiological measures will be collected to identify the functional changes in brain activity during training and testing. It is hoped that these experiments will help to bridge the so called temporal gap and reach out to scientists working outside the field of behavioural analysis. |
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