An Investigation into Subjectivity and Implicit Cognitions: Explorations in Dissemination
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Authors
Pritchard, Joshua K.
Issue Date
2012
Type
Dissertation
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Keywords
behavior analysis , implicit cognitions , IRAP , Qmethodology
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Abstract
Implicit cognitions and operant subjectivity are two areas that behavior science should be investigating as they bear direct relevance on topics of interest to the majority of the populace. In this investigation, we attempt to combine these two and identify which values led people to choose psychology as their undergraduate major. To do this, 11 undergraduate psychology students completed a Q Sort providing us with a measure of operant subjectivity around their choice. Following this Q Sort, each participant completed an MT-IRAP comparing groups of words representing behavioral (operant, reinforcers, objective, actions, stimuli, & learning) vs mentalistic terminology (mind, thoughts, subjective, perception, experience, mental processes). After the MT-IRAP was completed, the subjects were provided training in which words representing each factor of the Q Sorts (helping & understanding) were placed in a frame of equivalence with stimuli used in the MT-IRAP. After training, the MT-IRAP was administered again and the change from pre-to-post MT-IRAP effects was measured. Of the 11, four participants demonstrated a change in IRAP scores consistent with the values identified in their Q Sort. This paper examines this and discusses the potential implication of the malleability of IRAP scores and their relation to values for a science of behavior.
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In Copyright(All Rights Reserved)