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    Effectiveness of Different Training and Testing Parameters on the Formation and Maintenance of Equivalence Classes: Investigating Prejudiced Racial Attitudes


    Mizael, Táhcita M., de Almeida, João H., Roche, Bryan and de Rose, Julio C. (2021) Effectiveness of Different Training and Testing Parameters on the Formation and Maintenance of Equivalence Classes: Investigating Prejudiced Racial Attitudes. Psychological Record, 71 (2). pp. 265-277. ISSN 2163-3452

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    Abstract

    This study aimed to verify the role of three parameters on the formation of equivalence classes between Black faces and a positive symbol, in children who demonstrated negative bias toward Black faces in a pretest Maintenance was also verified 6 weeks after equivalence tests. Forty-six children (11 Black; 27 girls) who demonstrated racial bias in a pretest were divided into four groups. All groups first learned AB relations (A1 and A2 were, respectively, a positive and a negative symbol, and B were abstract stimuli) and then BC relations (Cl was a Black face and C2 was an abstract stimulus). The Control Group then advanced immediately to equivalence tests (AC, and CA, without differential consequences). For the Mixed Training Group, a block of trials mixing AB and BC relations, with differential consequences, preceded equivalence tests. For the Feedback Reduction Group, equivalence tests were preceded by a trial block mixing AB and BC relations, but with feedback in 50% of trials. The Symmetry Group received symmetry tests after training of each baseline relation. Thirty-three children showed class formation relating Black faces and the positive symbol, and 27 maintained at least one of the equivalence relations after 6 weeks. Average biases toward Black faces were positive in a posttest, for participants who formed equivalence classes, and remained negative for those that did not form classes. The Control Group showed less pronounced bias reduction and maintenance of relations after 6 weeks, suggesting that these outcomes may be affected by training parameters.
    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite as: Mizael, T.M., de Almeida, J.H., Roche, B. et al. Effectiveness of Different Training and Testing Parameters on the Formation and Maintenance of Equivalence Classes: Investigating Prejudiced Racial Attitudes. Psychol Rec 71, 265–277 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-020-00435-w
    Keywords: Racial prejudice; Stimulus equivalence; Maintenance of equivalence classes; Training and testing parameters; Racial bias;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 15414
    Identification Number: 10.1007/s40732-020-00435-w
    Depositing User: Dr. Bryan Roche
    Date Deposited: 04 Feb 2022 15:02
    Journal or Publication Title: Psychological Record
    Publisher: Springer Verlag
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/15414
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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