Abstract

PEREZ, William F. et al. Introduction to Relational Frame Theory: Key concepts, experimental findings and possibilities of application. Perspectivas [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.1, pp. 33-51. ISSN 2177-3548.

Behavior analysis has identified different processes of acquisition of stimulus functions since the formation of the discipline. Recently, Relational Frame Theory (RFT) has suggested that stimuli acquire functions indirectly due to Arbitrarily Applied Relational Responding (AARR). This paper aims to present an introduction to RFT. First, the operant behavior studied by RFT, the AARR, is presented with a description of how it is shaped and what are its defining properties. Then, some of the main experimental data on which the RFT is based are summarized, and implications for the understanding of language and cognition are discussed.

Keywords : RFT; relational frame theory; relational responding; arbitrary relations; derived relations; transformation of function.

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