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The Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST): A Behavior Analytic Implicit Test for Assessing Stimulus Relations

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Abstract

Subjects completed a baseline stimulus matching procedure designed to produce two symmetrical stimulus relations; A1–B1 and A2–B2. Using A1, B1, and two novel stimuli, subjects were then trained to produce a common key-press response for two stimuli and a second key-press response for two further stimuli across two blocks of response training. During one block, the reinforcement contingencies were consistent with baseline relations (i.e., A1 and B1 shared a response function), whereas during the other block they were not. Thirteen of 18 subjects who completed the procedure showed a response class acquisition rate differential across the two test blocks in the predicted direction. It is suggested that this procedure may serve as a behavior analytic alternative to popular implicit tests. It provides a nonrelative measure of stimulus association strength and may display superior procedural implicitness over other tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Mayooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland

    Anthony O’Reilly & Bryan Roche Dr.

  2. Rollins College, Florida, USA

    Maria Ruiz

  3. Chichester University, USA

    Ian Tyndall

  4. Teesside University, USA

    Amanda Gavin

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  1. Anthony O’Reilly
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  2. Bryan Roche Dr.
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  3. Maria Ruiz
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O’Reilly, A., Roche, B., Ruiz, M. et al. The Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST): A Behavior Analytic Implicit Test for Assessing Stimulus Relations. Psychol Rec 62, 507–528 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395817

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