43.1 Definition of Main Thematic Source

A main thematic source is a controlling variable that controls a large group of responses, and all of those responses would have about the same effect on a listener. The types of thematic elementary relationships and the specific features of the stimulus and response are irrelevant. The easiest, although perhaps not the most precise, way of defining or describing a main thematic source is to say, “It is the same source that would also strengthen…” and then list several of the other responses that you are trying to analyze.