Introductory Concepts
Elementary Relationships
Extensions of Verbal Behavior
Multiple Controlling Relationships
Building on the Elementary Relationships
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43.5 Main Thematic Source Non-Example #2

There is also a thematic relationship between “spider” and “suspend.” However, “spider” is not a main thematic source because the other responses that it might control — such as “web,” “spin,” and “insect” — would all have a very different effect upon the listener than “suspend.” We call this a secondary thematic source.

Main Thematic Source

A situation with the following features:

It controls a large group of responses

All of the responses would have about the same effect on a listener

Type of thematic elementary relationship (e.g., mand, tact, intraverbal)

Specific features of the stimulus and response

What will the spider do,

suspend its operations

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