Transfer of function and preferences

Abstract

This master thesis is a study on the transfer of function in equivalence classes and its effect on preferences. The thesis is composed of two articles where the first part is a literature review of studies done in the field of behavioral analysis where the emergence of equivalence classes with positively or negatively valenced stimuli alternated preferences. The review looks at how the transfer of function in those classes affects the choice situation. The second part is an empirical study which design is similar to the studies included in the review from part one. The aim was to see if the results would be replicated and introduce a new variance by expanding the choice situation. Both articles conclude that although there is strong evidence that the equivalence class influences the preferences, there is a need for further investigation of the variables affecting the preferences.