Effects of training order and transfer of functions on ordinal relations in deaf people

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the experimental control over ordinal relations by using overlapping techniques with numerical stimuli. The present work investigated the effects of the order of training and transfer of functions over ordinal relations in deaf children. Twelve hearing-impaired children distributed into two experimental groups served as participants. In Group 1 participants had to product ordinal sequences based on numerosity, and then product ordinal sequences with no numerosity base. Group 2 had to perform the same tasks but beginning with no numerosity based sequences. Computerized procedures showed a screen divided in “choosing area”, where pair of stimuli were presented, and “construction area” where stimuli selected by participants appeared side by side. Correct response produced an animated cartoon on the screen after the sequence had been completed; otherwise a blanked screen appeared for 2 seconds. Transitivity and connectedness tests were run after a baseline revision. All participants reached the criterion and formed new sequences but with some inter- and within-subjects variability. In connectedness tests group 1 showed a more consistent performance. Transfer of ordinal functions to new stimuli was documented, thus showing efficacy of overlapping procedures on the establishing of ordinal equivalent stimuli classes.