Abstract

BARNES-HOLMES, Dermot; RODRIGUEZ VALVERDE, Miguel  and  WHELAN, Robert. Relational frame theory and the experimental analysis of language and cognition. Rev. Latinoam. Psicol. [online]. 2005, vol.37, n.2, pp. 255-275. ISSN 0120-0534.

Relational frame theory is a relatively young behavioral approach to the study of language with a strong focus on experimental research. The current paper reviews the empirical evidence relevant to TMR as a valid research approach to the experimental analysis of language and cognition. This evidence is presented in regard to two key issues of the theory: the operant nature of derived relational responding and the relationship between derived stimulus relations and language. The reviewed studies clearly support the TMR conception of verbal behavior. They provide empirical evidence that TMR is a powerful and promising research program that has led to very positive outcomes in a research area that has traditionally been difficult for behavior analysis. These studies also indicate that TMR can provide a functional account of some findings typically obtained by cognitive research on language.

Keywords : Relational frame theory; Verbal behavior; Derived relational responding; Language; Cognition; Behavior analysis.

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