Stimulus Equivalence Learning (SEL) is a form of learning in which stimuli (such as words, pictures, or sounds) become linked to one another in memory, even though this specific connection has not been directly taught. In a typical SEL task, two relations are taught explicitly (A→B and A→C), and the untrained relation (B→C) is then tested. This indirect relation is not intentionally or consciously learned and is considered a form of implicit learning. The principle of stimulus equivalence learning is still rarely applied in cognitive rehabilitation after acquired brain injury (ABI), with the exception of a few small (N=1) treatment studies that have shown positive effects. However, it remains unclear to what extent ABI may affect the ability to acquire stimulus equivalence.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Klimmendaal Revalidatiespecialisten
Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands
RECRUITINGModified Rutgers Equivalence Learning Task (mRAET)
The original RAET is an experimental paradigm in which faces have to be paired with colored fish. For the current study, this task has been adapted into a more ecologically valid version focused on medication intake, in which relationships are learned between the shape of a pill, the function of the pill, the time of intake, and the (fictional) brand name.
Time frame: Day 1
Location Learning Test (LLT)
The LLT is a test that can be used to measure episodic spatial memory for object locations. Normalized scores for immediate and delayed spatial memory are computed (percentiles 0-100).
Time frame: Day 1
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV-NL digit span (WAIS-IV-NL DS)
The digit span is a measure of verbal working memory. Normalized standard scores can be computed (range 0-19, mean: 10, standard deviation: 3).
Time frame: Day 1
Everyday memory questionnaire-revised (EMQ-R)
This is a 13-item scale of the everyday memory functioning.
Time frame: Day 1
Trial Making Test
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a neuropsychological test that measures processing speed, visual attention, and task switching.
Time frame: Day 1
Stroop
The Stroop Test is a cognitive task that measures selective attention, processing speed, and the ability to inhibit automatic responses. Participants are shown color words printed in incongruent ink colors (e.g., the word "red" printed in blue ink) and must name the ink color rather than read the word. The interference effect-slower or less accurate responses-reflects challenges in cognitive control and response inhibition.
Time frame: Day 1
Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)
The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT) is a verbal learning and memory task in which a list of 15 unrelated words is read aloud over several trials. The participant is asked to recall as many words as possible after each trial, and later again after a delay. The test assesses immediate recall, learning ability, retention, and recognition memory.
Time frame: Day 1
Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT)
Participants respond to the location of a black circle that appears in one of four screen positions by pressing the corresponding response key as quickly and accurately as possible. After 12 practice trials, the task consists of 8 blocks of 60 trials. Blocks 1-6 contain a fixed repeating sequence of locations (not disclosed to participants). Block 7 contains a different sequence, followed by a return to the original sequence in Block 8. After the task, participants complete questions assessing explicit awareness of the sequence. Implicit learning is indicated by faster reaction times in Blocks 6 and 8 (repeated sequence) compared to Block 7 (irregular sequence).
Time frame: Day 1
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