International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy

Relational Flexibility and Human Intelligence: Extending the remit of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior

Volume 9 Num. 1 - March 2009 - Pages 1-17

Authors:

Catriona O’Toole , Dermot Barnes-Holmes , Carol Murphy , Jennifer O’Connor , Yvonne Barnes-Holmes

catriona.a.otoole@nuim.ie

Abstract:

The current article will discuss recent research encompassing the relevance of derived
relational responding in intelligence, and the establishment of procedures to target this
type of flexibility in derived relational responding in practical learning situations. The
chapter will review research findings that indicate correlations between speed in flexible
relational responding and higher scores on IQ tests. Relevant to flexibility in relational
responding, research has demonstrated that children with autism showed poorer flexibility
in relational responding than typically-developing peers, and procedures to remediate this
type of “rigid” responding are described. Research on derived manding also has practical
implications for incorporating derived relational responding into a mand training program
to facilitate a “generative” or flexible component.

Key words:

Verbal behavior, derived relational responding, intelligence, flexibility, mand

Full Article

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