1) The study examined the effectiveness of different mastery criteria (12 consecutive correct responses, 6 consecutive correct responses, or 12 correct responses out of 12 at the end of a block) on learning neuroanatomy concepts using a stimulus equivalence paradigm. 2) Thirty-one psychology students completed computerized tutorials on neuroanatomy and were randomly assigned to one of the three mastery criteria groups. 3) Results showed that the 12 consecutive correct responses group had the highest post-test pass rate (100%) and spent similar time to the other groups, suggesting it is the most effective mastery criterion for college-level content learning using stimulus equivalence.

1. Effectiveness of Mastery Criteria During Concept Formation
Sanaa Mylan, Ranita Ramotar, Johana Marmolejo, Elisheva Laks, Marianna Lamnina,
Kristine McKiernan, Katarzyna Roszczeda, and Daniel M. Fienup, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Department of Psychology, Queens College (CUNY), Flushing, NY
Background
Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of concept
formation instruction that utilizes stimulus equivalence paradigms
(Rehfeldt, 2011). Stimulus equivalence procedures have been
applied to a variety of college level content, including:
trigonometric relations (Ninness et al. 2009), statistical
interactions (Fields et al., 2009) and design definitions and graphs.
(Lovett et al 2011).
For example, when we teach the location and function of the
Cingulate Cortex, we first directly teach the picture of the brain
area to the name. (Figure 1) Then, the name is directly taught to Results
the function, which in this example is, Necessary for emotional The Participants across groups took approximately the same
experience. We then test to evaluate whether the learner is able to length of time to complete the tutorials and post-test, when pre-
match the correct function to the name and then the name to test times were removed. The division of participants was 10 in
picture, also known as symmetry. The ability to associate the 12Block, 12 in 6CC and 9 in 12CC. The 12Block group took the
untaught relation between the picture to the function is
General Procedure longest at 33.34 minutes, the 6CC took 28.74 minutes and the
Participants completed a computerized tutorial that taught shortest time was the 12CC group that took 27.64 minutes. Figure
transitivity. Last, the association between the function to picture is
the name, picture, and functions of basic neuroanatomy 3 illustrates that the time in minutes was still greater in the
called equivalence. A set of stimuli demonstrating reflexivity,
structures. The program began with a pretest that included (to 12Block group.
symmetry, and transitivity are an equivalence class.
be) trained, symmetry, transitivity, and equivalence relations. Figure 4 illustrates that the 12CC group produced a higher
The current research examines the influence of mastery
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. yield or percentage of participants who passed the post-test on the
criterions on the successful formation of equivalence classes. The
All tutorials were designed with simple to complex protocol, first attempt. This suggests that 12CC is the most effective
total time to complete training and post-test were compared
but groups differed by the criteria needed for mastery. Figure 2 mastery criterion with a 100% yield (9 of 9). In contrast, the 6CC
between groups. In the 12CC group, mastery criterion was set at
illustrates the manipulations in the groups which were as group and the 12Block group were not tested for mastery between
12 consecutive correct responses. A variation of this protocol set
follows: trainings. The 6CC group had a yield of 83.33% (10 of 12) and
the mastery criterion at half the number of consecutive correct
responses, this group was called 6CC. The third group was the 12Block group had a yield of 80% (8 of 10). The 6CC and
• 12 Consecutive Correct (12CC): Participants must make 12 12Block group did not lead to mastery of the material.
12Block which used a mastery criterion that evaluates mastery at
consecutive correct responses in order to move on to next
the end of the portion–in contrast to consecutive correct mastery
portion of training.
which is based on strings of accurate responses. General Discussion
• 6 Consecutive Correct (6CC): Participants are required to For college-level content, the stimulus equivalence paradigm
Participants & Setting make only 1/2 of the correct consecutive responses. Once they
was found most effective with a mastery criterion of 12
Thirty-one participants enrolled in Psychology 101 completed consecutive correct responses. Although group times were
have 6 consecutive correct they can move on to the next portion
the Neuroanatomy tutorials. The study was conducted in a similar, the participants in the 12CC group spent their time
of training.
research lab room with 3 cubicles that contained a computer, mastering the material, while the 6CC and 12Block groups were
keyboard, mouse and headphones. Participants were not allowed • 12Block: Participants are required to get 12 out of the 12 not as successful. This finding can help create effective stimulus
to take notes on the tutorials, thus no pens or papers were taken equivalence based instruction, that will ensure mastery of
questions correct to advance on to the next portion of training.
into the cubicle. material.