Preferences in equivalence classes by low potency benign valenced stimuli

Abstract

The focus of the present experiment was to study variables in fluencing preferences in choice situations through equivalence class formation and transfer of function. Three 3-member equivalence classes (ABC) were formed with a one-to-many training structure and were followed by training of the D-stimuli to the A-stimuli. D-stimuli were either valenced or non-valenced. Hence, partici- pants were tested for three 4-member classes (ABCD). Finally, three identical bottles of water with B-stimuli printouts were pre- sented to participants. The results showed that for the valenced stimuli, participants chose B1 in 55% of the cases, while there was no preference among the B-stimuli for the non-valenced stimuli.