Improvements in the Frequency and Accuracy of I Cannot Know Type Answers to Three Term Series Word Problems by Multiple Exemplar Training of Relational Skills and Instructional Content.
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Authors
Smith, Patrick
Issue Date
2023
Type
Dissertation
Language
Keywords
Behavior Analysis , Known Unknown , Logic , Multiple Exemplar Training , Relational Frame Theory , Three Term Series Problems
Alternative Title
Abstract
The ability to accurately use “Not Enough Information” or “I Cannot Know” (ICK) types of responses in everyday life may contribute to the degree to which an individual responds sustainably in situations likely to evoke biased outcomes. This skill may have an analog function previously described but rarely investigated within the Relational Frame Theory (RFT) literature.This dissertation describes a series of surveys and increasingly elaborate multiple exemplar training (MET) protocol experiments aimed at replicating common ICK inaccuracy in three term series problems and improving that performance via training Known-Unknown (KU) relational responding and introducing an instructional intervention. Accuracy and frequency of ICK responses were analyzed for indications of training effects and evidence of relational responding. Forms of inaccurate use of ICK responses were tested for indications of KU functioning.
Results suggest that (1) US and Irish participants infrequently and inaccurately respond with ICK responses to free response three term series word problems where it is appropriate; (2) KU relational responding can be trained to mastery criterion via MET protocols; (3) KU training is enhanced by building a relational response repertoire of more common functions such as equivalence and comparative relations; (4) trained KU responding can improve the accuracy of ICK responding on three term series word problems; (5) instructions can evoke more frequent, though inaccurate, ICK responding; (6) observed improvements on three term series problems from training KU relations are undetectable against instructional effects; and (7) ICK responses likely serve multiple behavioral functions.