Equivalence relations: a replication study of symmetric over the transitive relation

Abstract

The importance of symmetric relation, as previous and necessary condition,
is studied in order to arise the transitive relation and equivalence through stimuli.
Matching-to-sample had been used as procedure with modifications: contingencies
of reinforcement/time-out, structure of probes and training, and four stimuli as
comparisons. The results shown that subjects who made the symmetric relation
completely, also they exhibited the transitive relation; and subjects who made
errors don't do it, but the transitive relation was created after direct training of
symmetry. The procedure variables, the characteristics of symmetry and the
necessary and sufficient conditions for equivalence, are discused.